News in English     | 14.10.2019. 13:28 |

UN, OSCE representatives visit Fojnica, Jajce and Žepče on a joint visit

FENA Press release

SARAJEVO, October 14 (FENA) – The United Nations Special Adviser Adama Dieng visits Fojnica, Jajce and Žepče, jointly with OSCE Head of Mission Kathleen Kavalec urges commitment for greater support to the efforts of BiH citizens who are leading by positive example.

In his meetings with the BiH Presidency; the BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees; and the Assistant Minister for Multilateral Affairs the UN Under-Secretary General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Mr. Adama Dieng; advocated for the need for elected officials to do more to define an environment of mutual respect and dignity for the citizens of the country. Joined with the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec and her team; and the UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, Ms. Sezin Sinanoglu, Special Adviser traveled throughout the country in order to meet with citizens and leaders who have already taken the initiative to look past the politics of division and to reconcile communities.  They heard about their efforts to strengthen empathy and compassion in their work; they also heard about their struggles against the rhetoric of fear, mistrust and even hate speech generated by some officials and media.

Their meeting with representatives of civil society from all corners of the country was a sobering discussion.  Young people are not leaving the country only because of the lack of socio-economic opportunities; they are also leaving because of the toxic political environment and the instability it generates.  CSO representatives argued that citizens are losing hope because they don’t see any mechanisms or institutions or champions that can help them step out and effectively challenge hate speech and the politics of division.  Nevertheless, they are committed to keep working together, and with all partners, with courage and conviction. 

“We need to take these concerns to the heart of our work. Every single citizen is essential to build the future of this country,” noted Mr. Dieng.

In Fojnica, leaders such as Fra Mirko Majdandzic at the Franciscan Monastery and Mayor Sabahudin Klisura continue to champion the centuries-long history of mutual respect and constructive dialogue between communities. Their example can help others turn the page to move together toward a peaceful future for all neighbors.

An inspiring conversation unfolded with the high school students in Jajce whose predecessors fought against institutional segregation.  The younger generations noted that “this was one of the best things that happened in our community in years.” Mr. Dieng urged the students to carry on the cause if they did not wish to be separated from their friends simply because they are of different nationalities.

“It is inspiring to see the efforts of municipal authorities and civil society in promoting return, reconciliation and inter-ethnic co-operation and communication. It is especially encouraging to see that attempts to create a joint memory of past atrocities can be successful: I believe such initiatives can be a powerful driver for reconciliation within the communities. I sincerely hope that the political situation outside these municipalities will be de-polarized and that the political environment in the country would become more conducive to positive co-operation.” said Ambassador Kavalec.

In Žepče, Mr. Dieng, Ambassador Kavalec, the Mayor of Žepče, Mato Zovko, the Municipal Council Speaker, Muhamed  Jusufović, and the Žepče Association of Civilian War Victims jointly paid tribute at the town’s memorial dedicated to all civilian victims of the war.  Working together, Bosnian Croats and Bosniaks succeeded in reunifying a town violently split in two during the 1990s conflict; successfully orchestrating the return and reintegration of members of the 3 constituent communities and unifying their schools. A prime example of the latter was reflected during the visit to the Secondary Music School Katarina Kosača Kotromanić.

“I am very pleased to learn that the music school orchestra and choir regularly perform together at different school and music competitions in the country, as well as different social and public events in Žepče. The school represents one of the best examples of the successes brought about by the Žepče Municipality’s integration efforts in the education sector”, said Ambassador Kavalec.

The Delegation also spoke with the three war-time commanders from Maglaj who have dedicated their lives to working to rebuild trust and constructive dialogue among and between all communities: “We are doing this so our kids can live here in peace,” stated Boro Jevtić, Rizo Salkić and Marko Zelić.  The protagonists of the OSCE-supported documentary film “Maglaj, War and Peace” stressed that “We don’t want them to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina because of politics.” 

“In a bleak political environment, we have seen truly inspiring things. There is much good happening at the local level. We must lend our support to, and make stronger investments in, strengthening social cohesion and ensuring that all identities are respected and that all feel they have a stake in this society; in this beautiful country of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” concluded Mr. Dieng.

Adviser Dieng recognized the joint efforts by the Sarajevo Mayor Abdulah Skaka and the East Sarajevo Mayor Nenad Vukotic in bringing the two cities together, in the face of many challenges, towards the common objective of the 2019 European Youth Olympics Festival. Furthermore, in an open conversation with the Interreligious Council in BiH, he emphasized their leading role in the society, and hope that they will continue to share their activities and experiences with the region, and other countries across the world.

(FENA) S. R.

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