Kosovo: “1,577 Persons Remain Unaccounted For” - Briefing | United Nations

Briefing the Security Council on Kosovo, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Peter Due described tensions and called for dialogue, engagement and implementation of existing agreements. The SRSG highlighted rising tensions and frictions over inter-municipal and property-related issues, including demolitions and evictions in northern Kosovo and elsewhere, raising concerns over property rights, due process and socio-economic impacts on local communities and businesses. He also noted the stalled reintegration of Kosovo Serb judges and prosecutors, restrictions on freedom of expression, including the use of signs, symbols and languages associated with non-majority communities, and ongoing challenges of closures facing Serbia-run healthcare and education institutions and the Serbian Orthodox Church. “Taken individually, some of these developments may appear administrative or localized. Taken together, they reinforced perceptions of insecurity and unequal treatment among Kosovo Serbs, eroding trust and affecting Kosovo’s multi-ethnic character,” he said. SRSG Due flagged the Kosovo Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Law on the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office, limiting their power and noting the EU’s deep concern about them. “I also note that the defendants retain the right to appeal. The integrity and independence of the judicial process must be respected. Any legislative action must be fully consistent with Kosovo’s legal and international obligations,” he said. The SRSG also urged all parties to ensure that the issue of Missing Persons to be addressed in a victim-centered approach and free from politicization as 1,577 persons remain unaccounted for. “Recent excavations and identification of remains brought a measure of closure to the families concerned, while serving as a reminder of the enduring suffering of those still awaiting answers” he said. SRSG Due echoed the Secretary-General’s calls for renewed progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue. He encouraged both sides to engage constructively, implement agreements already reached, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-majority municipalities, and to take steps that help build trust and reduce tensions.


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