The Institute for War Crimes in Kosovo (IKKL) was established on August 1, 2023, based on LAW NO. 08/L-177 ON INSTITUTE OF CRIMES COMMITTED DURING THE WAR IN KOSOVO. This law aims to establish, organize, and define the functions and competencies of the IKKL. The ICCW operates as an Agency under the Office of the Prime Minister.

The provisions of this law are implemented for the purpose of researching and documenting crimes committed during the war in Kosovo from January 1, 1998, to June 20, 1999 (“the war period”). Research and documentation may also be applied to crimes committed after the war period that are related to the war, no later than December 31, 2000. Additionally, in order to present a comprehensive account of the facts directly related to the war, the Institute will document and investigate crimes and other actions that led to the war in Kosovo.