Co-applicants:
ACDC
Donor:
European Union Office in Kosovo
Short Summary:
The project “Uncovering the Truth: Combating Monoethnic Journalism and Advocating for the Missing Persons in Kosovo”, implemented by BIRN Kosovo in partnership with ACDC, aims to promote reconciliation and accountability by reshaping divisive narratives surrounding the issue of missing persons from the 1999 conflict. Despite over two decades of efforts, the fate of 1,621 people individuals remains unresolved, deepening the suffering of families and hindering regional peace. The project seeks to strengthen public awareness and institutional transparency through documentaries, debates, and an online platform, while enhancing the capacity of journalists to report sensitively and objectively on this issue. By amplifying the voices of affected families and highlighting the work and challenges of relevant institutions, this initiative contributes to a more inclusive public dialogue, encourages cooperation between Kosovo and Serbia, and supports broader transitional justice and human rights efforts in the Western Balkans.
Project goal:
The overall objective of the proposed action is to contribute to transforming the discourse surrounding the missing persons issue, paving the way for reconciliation, resolution and mutual understanding, all while advocating for the rights of their families.
Target Groups:
- Families of missing persons
- Journalists
- Local media outlets
- Civil Society Organizations
- Local government officials
- Kosovo Police representatives
- Professionals in the field
- Institute of Forensic Medicine
- Special Prosecutor’s Office
- Inter-ministerial Group on Missing Persons
Expected Results:
1: A media that delivers factual, balanced, effective, and empathetic narratives around the missing persons’ issue
2: Invigorate public discourse and deepen comprehension regarding the missing persons issue, achieved through captivating and insightful documentaries.
3: Initiate public dialogue, deepen understanding of the missing persons issue, and stimulate active public involvement.
4: Contribute to an environment where transparency, accountability, and public trust in the justice system’s approach to missing persons cases are strengthened
5: Maintain the public’s focus on the issue through offering a continuous stream of informative and compelling content on the experiences of missing persons and their families, and updates on investigations.
Main Activities:
Activity 1 – Specialized Training Program for Journalists in dispelling monoethnic journalism and advocating for the fact-based narratives about the missing persons
Activity 2 – Production of Eight (8) TV Documentaries
Activity 3 – Post-Premiere Public Debates
Activity 4 – Producing four (4) TV Reports with War Crime Prosecutors
Activity 5 – Publication of Web-stories on BIRN’s Kallxo.com Platform