Pristina, February 17, 2024
At the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo (ICCK) the first documents have arrived. Evidence related to the crimes of forced disappearance during the war with Serbia was submitted by the Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the Family Associations of the Missing in Kosovo (CCFAMK), Ahmet Grajçevci.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that documenting war crimes helps us build a more just and peaceful society, while at the same time serving as an important testament for future generations.
“The establishment and operation of this Institute aims to document the crimes of the recent war in Kosovo, crimes against humanity and genocidal acts by Serbia. “This is one of the many obligations being fulfilled towards our memories as a people and the longstanding demand for justice,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
“We have a common goal: the institutionalization, protection, and preservation of collective memory,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He invited everyone to join the initiative for the collection of materials and evidence of crimes committed during the war, which will be archived at the Institute and will serve this institute for the investigation of crimes committed during the war. The Prime Minister directed this invitation to archivists, researchers, members of civil society, external experts, journalists, and to all citizens of the country, in general.
Prime Minister Kurti thanked the Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the Family Associations of the Missing in Kosovo (CCFAMK), Ahmet Grajçevci, and other associations of family members of the missing persons for their commitment over the years, for documenting the crimes of violent disappearances instigated by Serbia.
The Institute is a gathering point for evidence of crimes committed during the war in Kosovo, and a center where everyone can contribute to historical truth, justice, and peace, said the Executive Director of the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo, Atdhe Hetemi.
While the chairman of CCFAMK expressed his happiness with the operationalization of ICCK and expressed readiness for continuous cooperation.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Dear people of the Republic,
Dear media representatives,
Ladies and gentleman,
We are in the space of the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo, with the Executive Director, Atdhe Hetemi, and with the Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the Family Associations of the Missing in Kosovo (CCFAMK), Ahmet Grajçevc, for the hand-over ceremony of the first documents in this institute.
I thank Mr. Grajcevci and the Family Associations of the Missing for their commitment and role over the years, in documenting the forced disappearances committed by Serbia.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of one of the most painful chapters in our history: the crimes committed by the genocidal regime of Serbia. However, on the other hand, this same year, we also celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kosovo’s liberation and the 16th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence, achieved through struggle and sacrifice, as a testament to the resilience and power of our people’s resistance.
We are committed to doing our best to address everything that has occurred during the recent war in our country.
In order to document war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal actions of Serbia, we have established the Institute of Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo. The operation of this institution is an obligation being fulfilled towards our memory as a people and our demand for justice.
In addition to state institutions, as of today, archivists and independent researchers, civil society members, external experts, media personnel, journalists, and all citizens have access to an Institute that keeps collected materials and testimonies. These materials will be stored and utilized by the Institute for researching crimes committed during the war, so, I invite you all today to participate in this crucial initiative.
We have a common goal: the institutionalization, protection, and preservation of collective memory. Documenting war crimes helps prevent their recurrence in the future. This helps us build a fairer, more peaceful society, and also serves as a significant testament for the future generations who will come after us.
I congratulate Director Atdhe Hetemi, I congratulate chairman Ahmet Grajçevci and I wish you a happy Independence Day of Kosovo, the 17 February.
Last modified: February 26, 2024