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UNMIK/PR/997 First Anniversary of the PRISTINA - OMPF today celebrates it's first anniversary a year after the UN took the decision to combine all areas relating to the issue of missing persons under one coordinated central body. The Office was formed with the support of SRSG Michael Steiner and it was the first time that such an initiative was ever implemented. Achievements · Reforming the medical legal (forensic) system in Kosovo, providing capacity-building training and launching an internationally recognised diploma in forensic medicine · New forensic facility is being created and equipped · Finish exhumations of previously unknown sites by the end of this year, taking the location of new gravesites into consideration · Transfer of first group of mortal remains from Serbia proper in May and second group in June · Creation of Outreach Belgrade Office to facilitate close cooperation with the Belgrade authorities · Increased number of presumptive identifications through clothing exhibitions and investigations · Consolidated list of missing persons · Developed a model to enable identifications to be carried out in places where DNA is not accessible · Opened OMPF to the people, increasing our accessibility and presence in the field · Created a hotline in cooperation with UNMIK Police · Launched a website to increase transparency · Publicity campaigns to raise the profile of missing persons, increase exchange of information and to de-construct myths about the missing OMPF is committed to establishing the fate and whereabouts of missing persons and is dedicated to building solid foundations for Kosovo's future. JOSE PABLO BARAYBAR, HEAD, OMPF, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE UNMIK PRESS CENTRE AT 1130 HRS ON 25 JUNE 2003. PLEASE CONTACT UNMIK DPI FOR FURTHER DETAILS. For Press requiring further information regarding OMPF, please contact Office on Missing Persons and Forensics (OMPF) on 038-504-604-5153. |