Make maximum efforts to bring the search for the missing to an end

(Patria) - The Advisory Board of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross in BiH, organized a meeting today in Sarajevo with associations of families of missing persons, and a press conference was also organized for this occasion at the "Hills" hotel in Ilidža. On that occasion, it was emphasized that all actors in the process of searching for missing persons in BiH must make maximum efforts to bring the search for missing persons to an end. It was stated that the authorities must find the political will and ensure that all agencies are involved in the process and that all necessary resources are made available to them.

Amir Kulaglić, a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that BiH needs a clear strategy for resolving the fate of missing persons, which will include a vision, mission, timeframe, as well as strategic goals and activities.

"We have proposed such a strategy, or rather its creation, to the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and the Institute for Missing Persons of BiH and the Ministry itself should be the bearers of this strategy," said Kulaglić.

He also added that it is necessary to ensure the full implementation of the Law on Missing Persons in BiH, given the fact that a Fund for families of missing persons has never been established, and thus they have been denied assistance. Also, an appeal was made once again to all people to call their neighbors, godparents, and friends who know where the mortal remains of the victims of the past war are, to finally speak up about it and allow the victims to find their final peace.

Nikola Perišić, a member of the Collegium of the Institute for Missing Persons of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized that the Institute, or rather the process of searching for the missing, faces many challenges, such as the lack of relevant information about the locations of graves, as well as the lack of funds necessary to complete this process.

"Without the cooperation of institutions at all levels on this issue, there will be no progress. When I say that, I mean all institutions, considering that victims of Serbian nationality are being searched for in the Federation, and victims of Bosniak and Croatian nationality are being searched for in the territory of Republika Srpska. Without cooperation and the opening of all archives, we will not be able to complete this process," said Perišić.

Elmir Camić, Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in BiH, said that the pandemic that has prevailed in the past year has increased the uncertainty with which the families of the missing already live.

"A member of one association said here yesterday that she attended the funerals of nine members of her association in the past year, and not a single victim was identified in that municipality during the same period. The fear of families that they will not find their loved ones during their lifetime is now even greater - stated Camić, adding that the ICRC continues its support to the families of the missing, as well as to the Institute for Missing Persons of BiH.

Matthew Holliday, Head of the Western Balkans Program of the International Commission on Missing Persons BiH (ICMP), praised the work of the Advisory Board, whose mandate is nearing its end, and emphasized that the ICMP continues its activities, namely the identification of mortal remains of missing persons.

- We recently identified, through DNA method, victims who were exhumed in the area of Bugojno, 25 years after their disappearance. I think this is precisely why families should not lose hope - Holliday conveyed.

He also added that the highest authorities in this country should find the political will to finally resolve the issue of the missing, and that an adequate strategy could be the best way.