On the occasion of the International Day of the Disappeared, EULEX remembers the tragedy of those who have gone missing and the plight of their families.
 
“I would like to extend my support to the families who are still waiting to find out what happened to their loved ones. This is an issue which affects many families here in Kosovo and in the region, and it continues to be an EULEX top priority. While the nature of the identification process is sensitive, complicated and time consuming, it is vital that it continues in order to find answers on the fate of the missing,” said EULEX Head of Mission Alexandra Papadopoulou.
 
EULEX has been contributing to Kosovo’s search for the Missing with a team of forensic experts who work with the Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) at the Kosovo Ministry of Justice in intensive efforts to determine the fate of the Missing.  In parallel, over the past years, EULEX has been training the local field team to conduct site assessments and exhumations.
 
As part of EULEX’s efforts to strengthen local capacity, two local doctors have completed an online course in forensic anthropology from the University of Leicester and have received on-the-job training to search for missing persons.
 
Since September 2016, EULEX forensic experts have been using Geographic Information Systems and predictive modeling at a micro scale level in their efforts to help determine the fate of the disappeared. EULEX has also conducted in-depth analysis of files to cross reference family blood reference samples of each missing person.  Preliminary results have already indicated a successful process.
 
“Ultimately, EULEX is here to assist Kosovo institutions find missing persons within our existing means and capabilities.  And, as long as we are here, we will never give up,” Papadopoulou said.
 
For more on the International Day of the Disappeared and EULEX efforts concerning missing persons, follow this link: http://www.eulex-kosovo.eu/?page=2,11,688