OSCE public office for human rights violations opens in Pristina

PRISTINA, 28 December 1998 - The OSCE KVM Human Rights Division has established a Public Office open under appointment to anyone wishing to provide information and statement on violations of human rights taking place in Kosovo. The Office is currently working on the cases of kidnapped civilians, as stressed also by the head of OSCE KVM, Ambassador William G.Walker, who called upon cooperation of the local population on these issues. "If we know the details of someone being abducted, kidnapped, if we have some specific information of whom might have done that", - said Ambassador Walker meeting last Saturday with a delegation of Kosovo Serb relatives of kidnapped civilians-"we will go to that individual or region and see if we can negotiate his release".

Up to now, OSCE KVM has received more than 700 names of missing people, both Kosovo ethnic Albanians and Serbs as well as members of other ethnic groups (Romas and Yugoslav Bulgarians). According to the information gathered from several local institutions and sources by the KVM Human Rights Officers, the majority of disappearances were recorded in the Drenica and Decane regions and in the Malishevo area. In majority of cases, the disappearances of Albanians were connected with the security forces offensive in late spring and again in summer this year. The majority of Serbs disappeared between April and September while travelling or they were abducted from their homes.

Statements and information on cases of missing persons and other violations of human rights can be addressed to the:

OSCE Human Rights Public OfficeGoleska Ulica 5 (ground floor) - PristinaOpening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00 Tel. 038-500162, ext.2162 (upon appointment)