Myth and reality: the return of Kosovan Albanians

Abstract

In public statements up until 25 June 1999, UNHCR voiced both its concern that refugees should not return prematurely and also its expectation that, despite warning refugees against an early return, the refugee camps in Macedonia would empty very quickly. The speed of the return over the following days confirmed UNHCR’s expectations and gave the impression of an undifferentiated mass response to NATO’s entry intoKosovo. The reality on the ground, however, has turned out to be quite different.

Keywords

• Kosovo refugee crisis
• Albania
• refugee return
• refugee camps