The publication “Ljudi govore – Manuša vakharena” was recently launched in Belgrade, shedding light on the experiences of the Roma community during the Kosovo conflict of 1998 and 1999. This book, a collection of testimonies, was presented by the Center for Education of Roma and Ethnic Communities (CEREZ) in an effort to preserve the memories of the hardships, displacement, and personal stories of the Roma during this tumultuous period.
The event featured discussions by institutional representatives and authors involved in gathering and processing these testimonies. A significant emphasis was placed on the importance of documenting the experiences of the Roma, who found themselves caught between conflicting sides during the war. Ljuan Koko, President of CEREZ, highlighted the plight of many Roma who were forced to flee their homes, with numerous families still searching for missing relatives.
Koko stressed that the primary goal of the book is to preserve the authentic accounts of those who survived the war, ensuring their stories are not forgotten. He clarified that the publication is not an attempt to politically interpret the events but rather an endeavor to record human experiences and historical facts that have long been overlooked by the public.
Ninoslav Jovanović, State Secretary in the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, emphasized the need to speak responsibly about all war victims, without selective approaches. He asserted that every loss deserves respect and that the truth about past events must not be silenced, regardless of the victims’ nationalities.
The process of compiling the book involved collecting numerous testimonies from individuals who were direct participants or witnesses to the events during the conflict. Koko noted that while a significant amount of material has been gathered, further processing is required, and research will continue.
Special attention during the book’s presentation was given to the issue of missing persons. Koko pointed out that families are still seeking answers about the fate of their loved ones, and it is crucial for institutions to continue investigating these cases, irrespective of the time elapsed.
Jovanović remarked that such publications play a vital role in preserving the culture of remembrance and raising awareness about the suffering of communities that have often remained on the margins of societal interest. He added that creating space for dialogue and understanding is essential for building a society based on respect for human rights and the dignity of all citizens.
The President of CEREZ announced that the organization will continue to collect and publish testimonies about the suffering of the Roma during the Kosovo conflict, aiming to preserve historical records and enable future generations to better understand the events that marked the end of the last century.
Nearly three decades after the end of the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija, many testimonies about the suffering, persecution, and disappearances of Roma community members remain largely unknown to the wider public. Publications like “Ljudi govore – Manuša vakharena” contribute significantly to preserving collective memory and documenting historical facts, ensuring that the experiences of victims and their families are recorded for future generations
