Bosnia’s Roma representatives resign in protest over alleged political marginalisation

They noted that International Roma Day should serve globally as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for dignity, equality, and the right to be heard.

According to the representatives, the tenure of the BiH Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, Sevlid Hurtic, has been defined by persistent efforts to completely undermine the participation of the Roma community in the ministry's work.

In response, several members of the Roma Committee under the Council of Ministers of BiH, Nedzad Jusic, Dervo Sejdic, Aleksandar Masic, and Mujo Fafulic, have submitted their irrevocable resignations. They described the move as a clear act of political and moral disagreement with the manner in which amendments regarding the establishment of the Roma Committee were adopted.

"We believe these amendments were pushed through without genuine consultation with the Roma community, without the involvement of current Committee members, and without respecting the principle of Roma participation in decision-making processes that directly affect their rights," the members stated.

They expressed particular concern that, under the new model, the right of the Roma community to select its own representatives has been transferred to the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees. They argue this creates an opening for political influence, allowing for the appointment of "suitable" individuals rather than authentic community representatives.

The departing members believe this approach is not intended to empower the Roma, but rather to silence independent voices that have previously pointed out irregularities and a lack of transparency in the allocation of funds intended for the community.

The representatives have informed international bodies, including the Council of Europe and the OSCE Mission to BiH, of their resignations and are awaiting an urgent response.

"On the day we mark 55 years since the fathers of the Roma movement began our struggle, we are forced to say that Roma are not political spoils, mere statistics, or window dressing for official reports. Roma are people who have the right to decide their own future," they concluded.

The group has called upon Minister Hurtic to withdraw the disputed decision and initiate an inclusive dialogue with the Roma community.