UN calls for sustained efforts as more than 7,500 remain missing in Bosnia

Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina Renaud Meyer expressed solidarity with the families of the missing on behalf of the UN Country Team in BiH and called for continued efforts to determine the fate and whereabouts of those who remain missing.

Around 31,500 people were reported missing during the 1992-1995 war, and more than 75 percent have since been located and identified.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina’s achievements in accounting for missing persons represent an important example globally and demonstrate what can be achieved through sustained efforts to establish the fate and whereabouts of those who remain missing,” Meyer said.

More than 7,500 still missing

Despite the progress made so far, much remains to be done.

“More than 7,500 men, women and children remain missing. Their families continue to seek information about their missing loved ones while living with the enduring pain of their loss,” Meyer said.

As time passes, the search becomes increasingly difficult, while information and evidence that could help locate and identify the missing risk being lost.

“Every case resolved represents not only an important step towards establishing the truth, but also towards fulfilling the rights of victims and their families,” he said.

Twenty years since UN convention was adopted

This year marks 20 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance on December 20, 2006.

The convention is the only universal international treaty dedicated to preventing enforced disappearances, investigating cases, establishing the fate and whereabouts of missing persons and protecting the rights of victims and their families to truth, justice and reparation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified the convention in 2012 and recognised the competence of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances.

Determining the fate of the missing remains crucial

Meyer used the occasion of International Day of the Disappeared to call for continued efforts to locate and identify those who remain missing.

“Establishing the circumstances of disappearance and the fate of missing persons is essential to fulfilling the rights of victims and their families to truth, justice, remedies and reparation. It is also an important part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s continued efforts to address the legacy of the conflict and build lasting peace and reconciliation,” Meyer said.

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina said it remained committed to supporting efforts to protect and fulfil the rights of victims and their families.

Meyer issued the message on behalf of the UN Country Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina.