The EU Delegation in Bosnia said on Thursday it was “appalled” with the “shocking” images showing the alleged mistreatment of children and adults staying at the Pazaric institute for the mentally disabled which sent shockwaves through the country after a lawmaker in Bosnia’s Federation (FBiH) entity released them to the public a day before.
Several hundred citizens gathered to protest in front of the Government building of Bosnia’s Federation (FBiH) entity on Thursday over the issue.
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“At the time of marking World Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Child Rights Convention, to which Bosnia and Herzegovina is a signatory part, the EU Office in BiH is appalled with the shocking images of the alleged mistreatment of children and adult beneficiaries of the Institute in Pazaric,” the EU Delegation said in a statement.
“We expect from the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations immediately and to ensure swift and proper institutional follow up. In the meantime it is essential that adequate additional care is provided to Pazaric Institute beneficiaries, as well as to the beneficiaries of all other care institutions,” it said.
Bosnia’s authorities and institutions have an obligation to protect and promote the rights of children and persons with disabilities and should introduce “a systematic solution for ensuring equal access to social protection and services to children with different abilities,” the EU representatives stressed.
“The EU will continue to support BiH in efforts to transform social protection institutions and strengthen models of alternative, community-based social care for children without parental care and children and adults with disabilities,” the statement concluded.
