“The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina should lay the foundations for a more cohesive society by tackling the disruptive legacy of the war. It is particularly crucial to step up the prosecution of wartime crimes and uphold the human rights of all civilian war victims, especially internally displaced people and the families of missing persons”, said today Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muižnieks, while releasing a report based on his visit to the country last June.
Underscoring that justice is a prerequisite to foster inter-ethnic reconciliation and social cohesion, the Commissioner calls on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina at all levels to ensure that war victims, in particular victims of war-related crimes of sexual violence and victim of torture, are provided with adequate and effective reparation. Noting with concern that more than 6800 persons are still missing, the Commissioner recommends that the authorities strengthen efforts to clarify their fate and to establish a fund to support their families. In addition, the Commissioner recommends further improving the protection of witnesses and stepping up assistance to some 50 000 internally displaced persons who need sustained attention and assistance. “The authorities should facilitate safe and sustainable return of IDPs who wish to do so and ensure access to social and economic rights.”
