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SARAJEVO, June 27 (FENA) - TRIAL International in Bosnia and Herzegovina recalled yesterday on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture the decision of the UN Committee against Torture made against the state of BiH for not fulfilling the obligations towards victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
The Committee adopted a Decision in August 2019, in accordance with Article 22 of the Convention, according to which Bosnia and Herzegovina is obliged to pay compensation, provide appropriate free medical and psychological assistance and establish an effective system of reparations at the state level.
By failing to meet its obligations to survivors, BiH is violating not only the UN Convention against Torture, but also the standards established in other international instruments.
“The main obstacle to the implementation of the Decision is the slowness in the work of institutions and decision makers and the lack of commitment of key actors to prioritize work not only on the implementation of this decision but generally on issues of transitional justice. Therefore, it is even more important to constantly remind about the implementation of this decision and support the establishment of a working group at the level of state ministries that will work on solutions for the implementation of recommendations,” TRIAL International - Office in BiH pointed out.
On that occasion, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to BiH, Matthew Field, pointed out that the main responsibility should be taken by the BiH authorities, who must ensure adequate care for the victims.
“If it is proven that the perpetrator can't pay compensation awarded to the victim, then the BiH institutions should establish an effective reparation scheme. Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence need our support. We must all work together to ensure justice,” said Ambassador Field.
According to the Head of the Delegation of the European Union and the EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture serves as an important reminder that everyone must fight together for the rights of torture survivors.
“It is high time that the decision of the UN Committee against Torture is fully implemented. We will continue to call and advise the BiH authorities on how to meet their international obligations as well as to advocate for the rights of victims of torture,” he stressed.
(FENA) A. B.
