Madam President,
Members of the Security Council,
Excellencies,
In July last year, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs was also invited to brief the Security Council on developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since then, we have observed both positive and worrying developments.
We note the decision of the European Council in March this year to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the European Commission’s assessment of progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina on key legislative and judiciary reforms. There is consensus among the political leadership in Bosnia and Herzegovina that European integration is the best route for ensuring the country’s future stability and prosperity. The European project has become a unique chance for the continent to bridge divides and shape a stable and prosperous future despite ongoing challenges.
Based on a united commitment towards a stable and peaceful future, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Council of Ministers in late 2022 sought the support of the United Nations through the Peacebuilding Fund to contribute to strengthening social cohesion, respect for diversity, understanding and trust, especially among young women and men in different communities. Met with a positive response by the Secretary-General, initiatives supported by the Peacebuilding Fund have started being implemented, in close cooperation with authorities at all levels and communities across the country. These projects are focused on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security and the Youth, Peace and Security agendas, as well as community dialogue.
Madam President,
At the same time, in recent months, we have witnessed actions and statements contradictory to the positive developments outlined above.
The Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, who has undertaken official visits to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region over the past years, has noted concerns about repeated threats of secessionism, the promotion of hate speech, the denial of genocide and the glorification of war criminals who were convicted by local and international courts. She recently issued statements on the dangers of these trends and their long-lasting impact on peace and reconciliation in the country. She has stressed the importance of addressing the legacy of the past, including of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Only by promoting the understanding of the past through truth-seeking and accountability, and addressing the root causes and the continued impact of such violence on society, can sustainable peace be achieved.
Madam President,
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice have established that acts of genocide against the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina were committed in and around Srebrenica in July 1995.
The Secretary-General has consistently called on everyone in the region and beyond to counter hate speech and the rhetoric of division and narratives of mistrust and fear. He said, and I quote, “All communities, all leaders and all organizations — including the media — must make this pledge.”
Many people in Bosnia and Herzegovina have for decades undertaken remarkable work to promote trust and reconciliation in the country. Of course, it is primarily the responsibility of authorities and institutions, at all levels, to help the whole of society constructively deal with the past, to demonstrate respect for all victims and survivors, and to work towards a prosperous and peaceful future for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s citizens.
Madam President,
I should like to recall that the United Nations is not a signatory to the Dayton Peace Agreement nor a member of the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council. The United Nations is committed to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its path towards reconciliation, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
Thank you.