The Forum for Research and Cooperation has sent an official letter to the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, highlighting delays and challenges in the implementation of two pivotal laws in Sarajevo Canton.

“These laws play a crucial role in protecting the rights of returnees, preserving the memory of the Srebrenica genocide, and providing support to returnee families from Sarajevo Canton across the entity of Republika Srpska,” the Forum stated. The laws in question are the Law on Special Programs of Sarajevo Canton for Genocide Remembrance, Support to Returnees, and Development of Srebrenica (Official Gazette of SC, No. 18/22) and the Law on the Rights of Persons Returning to Pre-War Residences from Sarajevo Canton (Official Gazette of SC, Nos. 18/13 and 26/13), according to an analysis prepared in German.

The Forum’s analysis underscores that critical aspects of the laws, including budget allocations and the establishment of necessary institutions, have not been implemented within the prescribed deadlines. This concerns guaranteed rights in veteran disability, health, and social welfare protections.

“This situation severely undermines the reintegration of returnees, social justice, and institutional support for the families of genocide victims. Especially alarming is that the Office for Srebrenica, mandated by law in Sarajevo Canton, has not been established, nor have budgetary allocations been made according to plan. Additionally, a law passed 11 years ago remains unimplemented due to the absence of necessary regulations and budget lines in relevant ministries,” the letter states.

The Forum has called on the High Representative to support the implementation of both laws by collaborating with relevant institutions in Sarajevo Canton, ensuring transparent budgetary support for the laws, and establishing key mechanisms such as the Office for Srebrenica. Furthermore, the Forum urged the promotion of accountability mechanisms to address non-compliance with legal provisions.

The Forum for Research and Cooperation also expressed its willingness to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the enforcement of laws vital for returnees and the preservation of genocide memory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The forum announced that the analysis has been shared with all key actors within the international community.