In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the search continues for 7,540 people who went missing during the 1990s war. Approximately 1,300 unidentified remains are stored in mortuaries, both complete and partial.

On International Human Rights Day, a central meeting of associations of families of the missing was held in Sarajevo. The event, organized by the Missing Persons Institute of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reviewed progress, challenges, and available support for families. A media campaign, “Right to Truth,” was also launched to raise awareness of the missing persons issue.

Aljonka Dzeletovic, the Advisory Board chair, shared her personal struggle to find her brother, missing for over 32 years. “This is unacceptable and violates all human and humanitarian rights. Families deserve closure,” she said, urging anyone with information to come forward, even anonymously.

Saliha Djuderija, head of the Institute’s Management Board, emphasized that locating the missing is crucial for reconciliation. She noted that over 35,000 people disappeared during the war, with 80% identified so far, but the remaining cases are increasingly challenging.

Efforts include satellite imaging, archive access, and forensic investigations. A Norwegian dog-training program for locating remains began last year but faces logistical challenges. Djuderija appealed for greater cooperation, stressing, “Breaking the silence and sharing knowledge is vital to resolving these cases.”

Despite decades of effort, families continue to call for truth and justice to honour their loved ones.