Fate of approximately 7,600 missing persons during the war in BiH remains unknown

These 7,600 missing persons are among those whose fate is the most difficult to clarify, as they are often victims of war crimes.

Representatives of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), the Missing Persons Institute in BiH, the BiH judiciary, the European Union, and the Kingdom of Sweden have announced continued engagement, synergy, expert or financial support in the search process for the missing, in which immeasurable contributions have so far been made by those most emotionally invested – the family members of the victims.

The results of the search for missing persons from 2020 to 2025, including ongoing support for the families of the missing, DNA-based identifications, and strengthening forensic capacities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were presented today in Sarajevo at Europe House during the closing event and accompanying panel discussion of the project ''Practical Assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Resolving the Issue of Persons Missing During the Conflicts of the 1990s and Steps Toward a Sustainable Domestic Process''.

The event was organized by ICMP with support from the European Union and the Kingdom of Sweden. One of the participants was Kada Hotić, Deputy Chair of the Association ''Movement of Mothers of the Enclaves of Srebrenica and Zepa''.

Luigi Soreca, Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH, told reporters that the conclusion of this project does not mean the end of cooperation, and reminded that the European Union has supported the work of ICMP for more than 20 years in its important mission of pursuing justice and reconciliation.

''More than 15 million euros have been invested by the European Union in ICMP’s work, as we supported their key activities – primarily the identification of missing persons, strengthening the institution’s capacities, and most importantly, helping families of victims learn the truth about the fate of their loved ones. The search for missing persons is not only a humanitarian endeavor but also a vital element of achieving justice, the rule of law, and reconciliation,'' said Soreca.

He emphasized significant achievements by ICMP, from the establishment of laws and the Missing Persons Institute to Bosnia and Herzegovina, now serving as a model for other countries in the world in this field.

Helena Lagerlöf, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to BiH, also announced continued support from her country for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the ongoing search for missing persons. She stressed that this process is very important for achieving justice, the rule of law, and genuine reconciliation in the country.

''The expertise developed by ICMP is also helping other countries worldwide in their pursuit of justice in cases of war atrocities, one such example being Ukraine,'' said the Swedish ambassador.

Samira Krehic, Head of ICMP's Western Balkans Program, stated that more than 32,000 victims went missing during the recent war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over 75 percent have been found, but the fate of about 7,600 people is still unknown.

According to her, the search process in Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on the principles of the rule of law, active participation of all associations and individuals from families of the missing, cooperation among institutions involved in the process, and strong support from the international community.