Resolution on the Situation in Kosovo
The Second World Congress of Education International, meeting in Washington D.C., U.S.A., from 25 to 29 July 1998:
1. Expresses grave concern about the ethnic cleansing and repression in Kosovo and strongly condemns the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by the Serbian special forces, army units and paramilitary groups during the recent events, which caused many civilian casualties. Since February 28, 1998 about 700 people have been killed (including more than 100 pupils, students and teachers), more than 400 are missing and 200,000 have been forcefully displaced.
2. Calls on all parties to immediately end armed operations and all other operations harmful to the Albanian population in Kosovo, as was demanded by the International Contact Group.
3. Stresses that the systematic violation of human rights in Kosovo, and threats to the stability and peace in the region are a legitimate concern of the international community, and it cannot be declared an internal matter of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia or of Serbia.
4. Reiterates its demand for the instant and full restoration of education rights and full implementation of the agreement on education of September 1996.
5. Urges the Yugoslavian authorities, the OSCE and the UNHCR to create security and material conditions for the return of refugees and displaced persons, of which a majority are pupils and students.
6. Urges the International Court in the Hague to investigate and to bring to trial those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Kosovo.
7. Insists on unconditional, international, monitored negotiations with representatives of Albanians of Kosovo and the Yugoslav authorities.
8. Appeals to the United Nations Security Council to do its utmost to stop the war in Kosovo and create conditions for a peaceful solution and resolve the Kosovo crisis by dialogue.
