Minister Delić visits BiH citizens evacuated from Gaza in Salakovac

(Patria) - Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy Adnan Delić visited today the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their relatives evacuated from Gaza who are temporarily staying in the Salakovac camp and on that occasion handed them one-time financial assistance to help them go through this transit period from the camp to accommodation in their future homes as painlessly as possible.

“This assistance was realised in cooperation with partner humanitarian organisations that, together with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, are determined to lend a hand of support in difficult times, and taking into account the fact that these are BiH citizens and their relatives who survived the horrors of war, which we in BiH still vividly remember, we could not but at least symbolically be part of this story. For us, it is above all a human, inner need to show these people here that we understand them and that they know they are in their homeland, that the institutions of their homeland know they are here and that they will provide them with a sense of security and welcome,” said the minister after visiting Salakovac.

The minister recalled that he himself experienced the camp experience during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and that he still remembers all those who visited and helped them during their stay in the camp.

“I know what it is like to be in a camp, as do many of our fellow citizens who lived through and survived the aggression and exile. A warm word, understanding, a sense of belonging somewhere are as important as food, clothing and shelter. It is important that these people know that we do not turn our heads away from them and that as a state we stand by them. This is important for their mental health, sense of belonging and recovery from the horrors of war,” added Minister Delić.

Among other things, the minister said today that this is a unique opportunity to show that we are truly, not just declaratively, ready to help and provide support, at least to those who managed to get out of Gaza.

“This visit today and symbolic support for people, especially these children, who were lucky enough to get out of Gaza alive, reduces the feeling of helplessness we have felt all these days watching the merciless killings of people and children. Killings that number in the thousands in just one month. It is a healing act for ourselves as well,” concluded the minister.
Minister Delić on this occasion praised the relevant state ministers of the Council of Ministers of BiH who together ensured the safe evacuation and dignified reception of evacuated BiH citizens and their relatives from Gaza. This shows, said Minister Delić, that when important decisions are at stake, we can all make good decisions together for our citizens.