The Memorial to the Missing

The Memorial to the Missing commemorates more than 2,500 civilians who remain unaccounted for following the 1999 Kosovo War. It serves as a solemn reminder of the human cost of the conflict and honors the lives of those whose fate has yet to be fully revealed. The memorial was commissioned by the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo, in close cooperation with the families of the missing, whose enduring search for truth and justice remains central to its significance.

Although the war in Kosovo formally ended in 1999, its consequences continue to resonate. Over the years, mass graves containing the remains of ethnic Albanians have been discovered across various locations in Serbia, gradually leading to the identification of victims and a reduction in the number of those officially listed as missing. Nevertheless, many families are still awaiting answers, and the memorial stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, collective mourning, and the ongoing pursuit of accountability and reconciliation.

The memorial is constructed using the same type of marble as that found at the Jashari Family Memorial in Prekaz. This material choice establishes a strong symbolic connection to one of the most significant sites in Albanian national history. Prekaz is widely recognized as the birthplace of Kosovo’s national hero, Adem Jashari, and the cradle of the Kosovo Liberation Army. By employing this shared material, the memorial reinforces a narrative of sacrifice, resistance, and national identity, linking the memory of the missing civilians to the broader historical struggle for freedom and self-determination.

All images by: Ilir Rizaj