INO BiH marks 20 years of existence: Now is the time to find all the missing, tomorrow there may be no time left

(Patria) - The 20th anniversary of the founding of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina was marked today in the White Hall of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH.

The event, which began with a minute of silence in memory of all missing persons, was attended by families of the missing, representatives of institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, international organisations, the diplomatic corps and other guests.

During the commemoration and addresses by officials, the importance of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its immeasurable contribution to truth and justice was emphasised on several occasions.

Nikola Perišić, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Missing Persons of BiH, recalled the history and mission of the Institute, emphasising that over 20 years of work, a unique institution dealing with the process of searching for missing persons throughout the territory of BiH has been established.



He stressed that, despite praise but also criticism, the Institute fulfils its mission by handing over mortal remains to families.

- Unfortunately, we are still searching for 7,580 missing persons, which are the most difficult cases, mostly related to war crimes, where the perpetrators have gone to great lengths to conceal the traces.

The message from today's commemoration is to animate and raise awareness among the entire public in BiH about the importance of this process, and to seek greater support from the authorities so that the process of searching for the missing can gradually be brought to an end - said Perišić.

From the perspective of the international community, the Institute for Missing Persons of BiH represents a unique model in the world.

Samira Krehić, Head of the Western Balkans Programme of the International Commission on Missing Persons, pointed out that the Institute is the first such example of a state institution in the world established on the initiative of the International Commission and the Council of Ministers of BiH.

- This is a unique institution that serves as a model for how the issue of missing persons can and should be addressed in any country facing this problem.

The leadership of the Institute and all its employees, with the support of the International Commission, have truly done a commendable job and established a system that today serves as a reference point for missing persons processes around the world – from Canada, South America, the South Caucasus, the Middle East, Ukraine and beyond - said Krehić.

She added that over twenty years, the Institute has found 75 percent of the missing reported after the conflicts in BiH, but that a great deal of work still lies ahead for this institution.

Saliha Đuderija, a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Missing Persons of BiH, pointed out that, unfortunately, almost three decades after the war, there are individuals and structures that deliberately obstruct the process of searching for the missing.

- As long as the truth is hidden, families cannot find their peace. And our society cannot move forward either. The issue of missing persons must never be a political issue. What drives us the most – is the trust of the families.

Your strength, your courage to come, to seek, not to give up – inspires us all. That is why I want to thank you especially today. You are not just families of victims – you are our comrades in the fight for truth and justice - Đuderija emphasised.



Marko Jurišić, a member of the Board of Directors, stated in his address that despite great results, we still owe the truth to 7,581 family members of missing persons.

- Now is the time, 30 years have passed and we have not given answers to the families of the missing. Now is the time to be united, now is the time to realise that all missing persons are ours, to make an effort to find the missing, now is the time to strongly support the Institute and the families of the missing. Now is the time, tomorrow we may not have time - said Jurišić.

Messages of support for the Institute were also sent today from the cabinet of the member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović.

- The institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina must become the bearer of the process of searching for the missing, it is our duty to strengthen the capacities of the Institute. The Presidency of BiH has recognised the importance of the Institute and monitors its work and results that confirm painful events.

Your work, strength and courage are the foundation on which we build trust and the future - emphasised Alija Kožljak, Chief of Staff of the member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Bećirović.

Among others, Sevlid Hurtić, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, also addressed those present, stating that it is our duty to unite in the search for every missing person.

- The Institute for Missing Persons is not just an institution, it is a symbol of the fight for truth, justice and human dignity. This anniversary reminds us of all that has been done but also of the obligation not to give up. Today, here, we confirm once again, no missing person will ever be forgotten - said Hurtić.