Statement by SRSG Zahir Tanin on International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

Nineteen years after the end of the conflict in Kosovo, 1,652 persons from all Kosovan communities remain missing. The full truth about their fate remains unknown to their families. On this day, the International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, I reiterate my call to all stakeholders to recommit to dealing with the past. Now more than ever, it is of paramount importance to pay heed to the rights of victims, especially the families of those still missing. Their access to the truth, dignity, justice and reparation is essential. Without knowing the truth about past events with respect to the perpetration of atrocities, as well as the circumstances in which heinous crimes were committed, it is difficult to give meaning to the maxim “Never again!”. Especially on this day, as everyday, we also pay tribute to slain human rights defenders who dedicated their work to speaking for those who are voiceless, so that the truth about gross human rights abuses would see the light of day.