BiH's UN envoy warns of rising risks, urges action on responsibility to protect

During the meeting at Bosnia’s Permanent Mission in New York, Lagumdzija emphasized his country’s deep commitment to R2P, given its own tragic history. He highlighted the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, which will be commemorated at the UN headquarters for the first time this July. The Srebrenica Resolution, he noted, serves not only as an acknowledgment of past atrocities but as a global warning against future crimes.

Addressing broader global concerns, Lagumdzija pointed to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine as stark reminders of the need for strong international mechanisms to prevent mass atrocities. He underscored the importance of early warning systems and swift responses to potential threats.

Turning to domestic challenges, he warned that certain political figures in Bosnia—specifically naming Milorad Dodik—are undermining constitutional and judicial institutions, posing a serious risk to stability. He urged the international community to act proactively, stressing that preserving key institutions such as the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and the Constitutional Court is essential until Bosnia joins the European Union.

Bleeker acknowledged Bosnia’s critical role in discussions on R2P and expressed strong interest in incorporating its experiences into the UN Secretary-General’s 2025 report. The report will assess two decades of progress on R2P, examine ongoing challenges, and propose strategies for improving early warning and prevention measures worldwide.

With the report’s release coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the World Summit Outcome Document that established R2P, both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation on advancing the principle.