Date: February 2, 1998
Author: Valentina Krčmar, Director of Public Relations, Bedem Ljubavi – Mothers for Peace
Addressed to: The Honourable Madam Justice Louise Arbour, Chief Prosecutor, United Nations War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (The Hague, Netherlands)
View the Original Letter: krcmar book 3_Part14_Part205.pdf
About This Letter
In this formal letter dated February 2, 1998, Valentina Krčmar, writing as Director of Public Relations for Mothers for Peace (Bedem Ljubavi), appeals directly to Madam Justice Louise Arbour, then Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The letter marks a defining moment in Krčmar’s campaign to expose the Serbian Red Cross’s involvement in war crimes committed during the conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Krčmar opens by requesting an in-person meeting with Justice Arbour, emphasizing both the sensitivity and urgency of the evidence she wishes to present:
“I am hereby requesting, in writing, a formal appointment to meet with you in person… These documents deal with the Serbian Red Cross Society and their officials, who participated in the war crimes in the former Yugoslavia, therefore they are of a very sensitive nature and it would be more appropriate to present them to you in person.”
She recounts the evolution of Mothers for Peace, founded in 1990 to provide humanitarian aid during the outbreak of war in Croatia and Bosnia. As atrocities mounted, the organization expanded its mission to gather and document evidence of genocide and war crimes, working closely with refugees and eyewitnesses.
“Our primary objective was to help our countrymen by providing medical, food and clothing support when the genocidal war began… however, as the facts of this horrific war were publicized… our role was enlarged to include gathering evidence against the perpetrators of genocide and bringing their murderous actions to the attention of the appropriate authorities.”
Krčmar explains that while some officials of the Serbian Red Cross may have already faced indictment, they were charged as civilians — not in the capacity of their official roles — leaving a moral and legal void unaddressed by the tribunal.
“Some officials of the Serbian Red Cross might have been indicted, however, not in the function that they held at the time, but as civilians. Thus, we feel that upon presentation of the documents in our possession there could be a change in their charges, but also the possibility that some additional charges be brought against the highest officials of the Serbian Red Cross.”
Her tone grows more impassioned as she insists on the gravity of the crimes, particularly those targeting civilians who had trusted the Red Cross emblem for protection:
“We feel that there is enough proof to press charges against those who were active participants in crimes against civilians, men, women, and children, who depended on the support of the Serbian Red Cross.”
Krčmar concludes by reiterating the urgency of her appeal and the moral responsibility of the Tribunal to act swiftly.
“Our meeting is of utmost importance and urgency, as I wish to present to you insurmountable documentation and eyewitness reports… Since time is of essence, I would appreciate a meeting with you at your earliest convenience and I am anxiously waiting for your reply.”
This letter encapsulates Krčmar’s transformation from humanitarian leader to human rights advocate, bridging the space between compassion and justice. It reveals her unyielding belief that even institutions built on neutrality — like the Red Cross — must be held accountable when they enable or conceal atrocities.
