Schmidt claims to be engaged in resolving the issue of returnees' security, but does not specify concrete actions

By Amina Čorbo-Zećo

To stop the wave of incidents in Republika Srpska that largely go unpunished, and at a time when the security situation in that BiH entity is worse than ever for returnees, victim associations are calling for the establishment of national balance. This means respecting the Constitution of BiH and Republika Srpska and enabling the employment of Bosniaks and Croats in the RS Ministry of Internal Affairs, thereby rectifying a long-standing injustice.

The associations' letter was also sent to the High Representative Christian Schmidt, and we sought an answer to the clear question of when Schmidt will address this issue and what he will do.

It is known that the OHR has been appealing for years to local and entity authorities to identify and punish perpetrators of all criminal acts aimed at preventing the return of minority members, and to ensure the protection of returnees, but it has always remained at the level of appeals and condemnations of new attacks.

Although they did not precisely answer the questions, the OHR told Patria that they 'cannot and will not tolerate any attacks on returnees'.

“The High Representative will continue to be very engaged on this issue,” the OHR stated.

They added that the right to return is a fundamental principle of the Dayton Peace Agreement, as stated in Annex VII of the Agreement.

“According to Annex VII, the parties undertook to enable refugees and displaced persons to return in safety, without fear of harassment, intimidation, persecution, or discrimination, particularly on account of their nationality, religious beliefs, or political opinions. The parties further undertook to create, where they are in power, political, economic, and social conditions conducive to the voluntary return and harmonious reintegration of refugees and displaced persons, without favouring any particular group.

Threats or provocative behaviour towards returnees are unacceptable. Law enforcement agencies in BiH have the obligation, as well as the capacity and ability, to investigate all incidents that occur, find the perpetrators, and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.

Authorities have an obligation to apply the constitutional principle of proportional representation of constituent peoples and Others in appropriate public authorities, including within police structures.

BiH has come a long way since the end of the war. It is now a candidate country on its path to the EU, and its institutions are capable of applying high security standards throughout the country and ensuring the representation of all in all security institutions, especially in returnee areas,” the OHR emphasized.

However, there are no concrete actions for now, while the security of returnees is at an unacceptable level.

We remind that SDA, NES, DF, SBiH also supported the initiatives of victim associations, who reiterated their demands today, and dramatically warned that they are prepared for self-defense if they are not protected.