End of cooperation with the crime scene: 'Vilina Vlas' removed from the program for pensioners

(Patria) - The Pension and Disability Insurance Fund of Montenegro has terminated its contract with the rehabilitation center "Vilina Vlas" in Višegrad, following an initiative by civil society organizations that pointed to the controversial war past of this facility.

The decision was welcomed by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) from Montenegro and the Association for Social Research and Communication (UDIK) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, assessing it as an important step towards a more responsible attitude of institutions towards victims and the culture of remembrance.

The initiative to terminate the contract was sent ten days ago, with a warning that it is unacceptable for "Vilina Vlas" to be promoted among pensioners as a tourist and rehabilitation destination without adequate context, recognition, and respect for the victims of war crimes and mass rapes of women that occurred in this facility.

According to CGO and UDIK, the management of the PIO Fund reacted immediately and announced the termination of cooperation that had lasted for almost ten years. The Fund's statement stated that "the current management was not aware of the events from 1992 related to this facility, and that, in accordance with the principles of social responsibility, the decision to terminate the contract was made".

These organizations state that this move is an example of how institutions should react when faced with facts from the past, emphasizing the need to incorporate ethical standards into all public programs.

At the same time, CGO and UDIK called on other institutions and legal entities in Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to "re-examine and terminate any contracts involving this facility for similar purposes".

They also particularly highlighted the role of the media, emphasizing that continuous reporting and public pressure were crucial for making this decision, thus confirming once again the strength of joint action by civil society and the media in protecting the public interest and democratic values.