Sweden supports the search and identification of missing persons in BiH with nearly 4 million KM

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden signed an agreement with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to finance ICMP's Western Balkans 2014-2016 program with 1.9 million euros, reports the BiH news agency Patria (NAP).

Sweden has been an ICMP donor since 2002, contributing to the organization's work in the region.

- ICMP's work in the Western Balkans is important for the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, by supporting legal, operational, and institutional capacities to more effectively resolve the issue of missing persons - said Marie Bergström, advisor at the Swedish Embassy.

As part of the support it provides to Western Balkan countries, Sweden remains committed to resolving the issue of missing persons. In the 2014-2016 program, ICMP will continue to provide the support necessary for countries in the region to resolve the issue of missing persons.

- This is a dedicated and significant contribution, enabling ICMP to continue its key activities in the Western Balkans and reflecting the constructive relationship between ICMP and Sweden - said Kathryne Bomberger, Director-General of ICMP during the signing ceremony held at ICMP headquarters in Sarajevo.

Thanks to Swedish financial support, ICMP will continue to support authorities in establishing the Institute of Forensic Medicine in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to ensure timely forensic activities in line with best practices.

ICMP will also be able to continue assisting authorities in the process of reviewing cases located in morgues in BiH, through inventory activities, anthropological examinations, DNA analysis, and proper case management.

ICMP continues to work on developing the capacities of associations of families of missing persons, to enable them to access justice and information. Advocacy activities of the Regional Coordination – the only multi-ethnic civil society organization bringing together associations of families of missing persons from the Western Balkans – are also supported through this grant, reports NAP.