War and religious symbols still adorn many schools in BiH

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The display of many controversial symbols related to religion, politics, and war has never been resolved and they can still be found everywhere in BiH, writes in a new report by the OSCE Mission to BiH, titled "School names, symbols and manifestations in primary and secondary schools in BiH: state of play and recommendations".

For example, as stated in the report, in the village of Bradići, near Maglaj, a large cross is located in front of a branch school. It is added that in places where Croats form the majority population, the coat of arms of Herceg Bosna is still displayed in front of several schools, as well as a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is still in the yard of Primary School "Hodovo" Stolac.

Frequent occurrences, the report adds, are Orthodox icons in Republika Srpska, and in some schools, as emphasized, the former coat of arms of RS can still be seen.

In areas where Bosniaks form the majority population, this phenomenon is manifested through photographs and models of mosques, and one such model is displayed in the hall of Primary School "Mehmedalija Mak Dizdar" in Goražde. According to the report, the coat of arms of the Republic of BiH still stands in some schools in this canton.

"In Primary School 'Ćoralići' in Cazin (Una-Sana Canton), a Mi-8 helicopter of the former ARBiH stands as a monument in the schoolyard. In Primary School 'Brljevo' in Gacko (RS), they keep a monument dedicated to Radojica Perišić, a Chetnik commander from World War II," the report states.

The report adds that there have been positive developments, made in parts of BiH between 2004 and 2012, but, they emphasize, there has also been regression in recent years, while in some parts of the country no progress has been made.

Some schools still, it is pointed out, bear the names of certain battles from the war - Primary School "Lipanjske zore" in Višići near Čapljina, or dates of military victories - Primary School "13. rujan" in Jajce.

Also, as stated, 22 schools in Republika Srpska are named after Saint Sava, a Serbian Orthodox saint and patron of education.

"This historical figure has a dual role in Serbian tradition - as the main enlightener and as the founder of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church (of which he was the first archbishop). In schools, however, a distinction is often not made between these two activities of Saint Sava," the OSCE states.

Ketrin Kavalec, head of the OSCE Mission, said that schools in BiH are public spaces where all children must feel comfortable and welcome and should never be used for political purposes.

"Likewise, school names, symbols, and manifestations should not be used to create divisions or as an opportunity to exclude any students. Quality education requires an inclusive atmosphere that respects the rights and backgrounds of all children," she stated.