Nderitu: Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a future where there is no room for genocide denial

(Patria) - UN Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide Alice Wairimu Nderitu welcomed the amendments to the Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were imposed by the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, at the end of last month, stipulating that "no person who has been convicted by any international or domestic court for genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes may run for election or hold any elected office".

Nderitu emphasized the importance of this step as a contribution to strengthening trust-building in the country, both in institutions and among communities where cases of genocide denial and other crimes are frequent, and progress in the reconciliation process.

The UN Special Advisor also highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Justice and the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Courts allows for criminal records of citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and persons born in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina who have been convicted of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by international courts to be registered in the criminal records of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Alice Nderitu considers this an important step in confirming the recognition of international court decisions and opposing revisionism, denial, or glorification of war criminals.

She also emphasizes the importance of addressing the legacy of the past, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

"Only by fostering an understanding of the past through seeking truth and accountability, and addressing root causes and continuous societal impact can peace be sustained. Glorifying convicted war criminals and other perpetrators of such crimes, which has been normalized and continues to occur with impunity, does the exact opposite, implying deepening divisions, fear, mistrust, and hatred," the UN Special Advisor stressed.

At the end of the statement, it is stated that everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves a future where there is no room for denial of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity, and the glorification of those who committed such crimes.

"Countering these patterns requires active efforts and determination from a large number of actors across the country. The voices of those who acknowledge the crimes committed in the past and the suffering they caused must be stronger than the voices of those who deny them. Many civil society actors have taken extraordinary steps in this regard for decades, but this is primarily the responsibility of the authorities of institutions at all levels to build a peaceful and inclusive society," the statement added.