On 20 September 2023, High Representative Christian Schmidt issued the Decision Enacting the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Center for the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery for the Victims of the 1995 Genocide.
The Decision enables the Center to further develop and expand its activities, particularly those important for the genocide remembrance in order to prevent denial and revisionism, ensure the prevention of human rights violations, and contribute to reconciliation.
Specifically, it allows the Center to establish a department for research and education, an expert commission, and an Honorary Board.
It also allows the Center to procure unique artifacts relevant to its work.
By strengthening the role of the Center, the Decision contributes to truth, justice and trust building as the key ingredients of enduring peace, stability and progress.
The grievances of the victims of war still remain largely unanswered for almost three decades due to the absence of appropriate action by the responsible authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The High Representative calls on the responsible authorities to take urgent action to improve the position of the victims of war and supporting and strengthening reconciliation and trust building throughout the country, including but not limited to:
- Eliminating obstacles for victims of war to receive a proper compensation for non-material damages;
- banning the election, appointment and employment in the public sector as well as decorations of any individual convicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes; and
- including data on citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and people born here who are convicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by international tribunals in the criminal records in Bosnia and Herzegovina.