GRAS buses heading to Stolac: They will temporarily transport children to school until the problem is resolved

(Patria) - Federal Minister for Displaced Persons and Refugees Nermin Dizdar and Sarajevo Canton Minister of Transport Adnan Šteta held an emergency meeting this morning. The meeting was also attended by the director of KJKP Gras Senad Mujagić, and the topic was the transportation of returnee children to school in Stolac.

“Buses with drivers will depart for Stolac today, and starting tomorrow morning, they will transport our youngest residents of Stolac to school. This will continue until those responsible for this unprecedented shame resolve the issue. As befits our children in returnee communities, the heralds of the future of a united, common Bosnia and Herzegovina in every corner of the homeland, top-notch buses will be at their service,” stated Minister Dizdar after the meeting.

This solution is temporary, ensuring that children can exercise their right to education without interruption or severe consequences.

“Resolving this issue is not within the jurisdiction of the Federation, and certainly not of Sarajevo Canton and Minister Šteta, but we could not stand idly by and watch this injustice. I express immense gratitude to Minister Šteta and the director of GRAS for their help and for finding a solution in the shortest possible time,” added Minister Dizdar.

The GRAS buses that will transport children in Stolac are tourist buses, which normally operate on intercity routes.

“I wish we weren't witnessing such events, but for situations like these, teamwork and goodwill are crucial. Discrimination is unacceptable. I hope that the competent authorities will resolve this situation in the long term in the best interest of every child, and GRAS and Sarajevo will provide support until that happens,” Minister Šteta added briefly.

“By definition, discrimination means any treatment, exclusion, or restriction of rights based on identity or status, and everyone must be aware that the perpetration of discrimination is a criminal offense. It is devastating that we are still encountering the most severe forms of discrimination today, especially among our youngest. We demand immediate respect for human rights in all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we call on the authorities in Stolac and HNK to immediately rectify this shame, which should never have happened,” concluded Ministers Šteta and Dizdar.