Almin Škrijelj: We have many rights, but only on paper

Today I wanted to pay special attention to the sacrifice made by the martyrs and compare it to the sacrifice that people in this world need to make, whether they are officials, parents, or children, for everyone to be better off, especially the families of martyrs and fallen soldiers, said Almin Škrijelj, president of the Organization of Families of Martyrs and Fallen Soldiers of FBiH.

- I asked all those who decide about our future, directly or indirectly, to consider what sacrifice they are contributing and whether that sacrifice deserves the attention of the families of martyrs. This was addressed to all decision-makers concerning the rights of martyrs and fallen soldiers – Škrijelj told Patria.

With less than 11 years old, his father was killed, leaving him with his mother and younger brother and sister. As he says, he experienced everything that other families of martyrs go through. A difficult childhood, accommodation in other people's homes, a destroyed house.

- The state gave what it could, the question is whether it could have given more. Children at 18 or 25 lose their right to financial compensation after completing regular schooling. They lose all possible rights. This deprives us of living better, deprives us of the right to priority employment, the right to priority and free education. Very often humiliated... There are also parents of martyrs. They too have lost their rights – states Škrijelj.

He believes that on Martyrs' Day, even those who forget are reminded that they exist, no matter how hypocritical it may sound.

- Today, everyone remembers the martyrs, those who gave their lives for this country, both those who live poorly and those who live well. A very difficult struggle awaits us when it comes to the rights of children, parents, of whom there are unfortunately fewer and fewer, who are growing old alone, who lost their children in the war. A period of correcting things lies ahead – emphasizes Škrijelj, adding that not many manage to survive this time as they should.

- Many are still homeless today, tenants, hungry, but a better commitment awaits us when it comes to the approach of all levels of government – said Škrijelj, stating that everything depends on the individual.

- There is a person who understands that thanks to what the martyr gave, he is in that position today. There are also those who do not understand. They evict families from apartments, do not allow priority employment. We have many rights that are on paper, but are hardly implemented. What is written in the law should be implemented, and if we have to go through legal channels, we will do that too. We must win over our population to understand that no one will approach and help them unless we do it ourselves – concludes Škrijelj.