Reçak Memorial Complex

On January 15, 1999, Serbian forces entered the village of Reçak and executed 45 ethnic Albanian civilians, including elderly men and a teenage boy. The victims were found in a ravine, many shot at close range. The massacre was documented by William Walker, head of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission, who publicly condemned it as a crime against humanity.

The event became a turning point in global awareness of the Kosovo conflict. It galvanized international opinion, led to increased diplomatic pressure, and ultimately contributed to NATO’s decision to intervene militarily in March 1999.

Shortly after the war, the Reçak Memorial was established to honor the victims and preserve the memory of the massacre. The graves are arranged in a semicircle, each marked with the name and age of the deceased. A statue of William Walker stands nearby, recognizing his role in bringing the atrocity to light.

The site is visited annually by families, officials, and international guests during commemorative ceremonies. It serves as a place of mourning, education, and reflection, and is considered one of Kosovo’s most important memorials.