OSCE Mission: BiH institutions must continue to investigate and prosecute war crimes

(Patria) - Following the final verdict of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts (IRMCT) in the Stanišić and Simatović case, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized that it is a step towards achieving justice for victims.

"Yesterday's final verdict in the Stanišić and Simatović case, rendered by the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts (IRMCT), represents a significant step towards achieving justice for victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) who have been forced to wait too long for effective redress for crimes committed during the war in the former Yugoslavia. Furthermore, the importance of this verdict lies in its attribution of criminal responsibility to individuals who committed such heinous crimes while holding high positions.

As the last case before the IRMCT relating to the wars of the 1990s, the Stanišić and Simatović case closes one chapter in this essential pursuit of accountability, but these efforts must continue through domestic investigations and prosecutions. The Mission once again emphasizes its commitment to supporting institutions across BiH in prosecuting war crimes cases in accordance with the obligation to investigate and effectively prosecute war crimes cases, as prescribed by international humanitarian law and the Revised State Strategy for War Crimes Cases, according to internationally recognized standards of fair trial.

To establish lasting peace and protect the rule of law, it is necessary to ensure that perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable. Victims of war and survivors deserve justice and truth, as well as redress, respect, dignity, and compassion. We call on all leaders to promote peace and stability by respecting the verdicts of international and domestic judicial institutions dealing with war crimes cases, recognizing the role such verdicts play in creating comprehensive historical records of the war and in combating historical revisionism.

Looking to the future, political, religious, and other public figures, as well as educators, must be leaders in building bridges and trust to overcome the difficult and emotionally charged gap that still affects the Southeast European region," stated the OSCE.