Country Profile

Albania was the world's only atheistic state until the fall of communism in 1991. Now it is slowly recovering from years of oppression. Kosovo, largely populated by ethnic Albanians, is emerging from the devastation of war and ethnic conflict.

During the crisis in Kosovo, World Hope began working in Durres, Albania with relief efforts for Kosovar refugees fleeing their home country. World Hope has initiated skill training (sewing school) programs and has helped Kosovar refugees resettle back to their homes. World Hope has also been involved in English as a second language training in Albania as well as Kosovo. The conflict in Kosovo had a devastating effect on many farmers. World Hope is responding by creating economic opportunity for the farmers through an animal multiplication program.

History

- Between March 1998 and March 1999, before NATO governments decided upon military action, over 2000 people were killed as a result of the Serb government's policies in Kosovo.

- During the summer of 1998, a quarter of a million Kosovar Albanians were forced from their homes as their houses, villages and crops were destroyed.

- In January 1999, evidence was discovered, by a United Nations humanitarian team, of the massacre of over 40 people in the village of Racak.

- By the beginning of April 1999, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees estimated that the campaign of ethnic cleansing had resulted in 226,000 refugees in Albania, 125,000 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), and 33,000 in Montenegro.

- It is estimated that by the end of May, 1.5 million people, i.e. 90% of the population of Kosovo, had been expelled from their homes. Some 225,000 Kosovar men were believed to be missing. At least 5000 Kosvars had been executed.