27.07.2000 OHR / OSCE / UNMIBH / UNHCR

International Community condemns Janja Violence

The Office of the High Representative, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations Mission to Bosnia and Herzegowina and the UNHCR thoroughly condemn the serious incidents in Janja of the last few days.

This outbreak of violence against returnees and the implementation of the property laws is disgraceful and inexcusable. Those who participated in the demonstrations and attacks have not only turned against Bosniak returnees, but against law and order and civilised, democratic behaviour.

We urge the local police and RS authorities to find and prosecute the perpetrators and instigators of this this violence. Everybody responsible for the breakdown of law and order in Janja must be held accountable.

Return and property repossession are at the heart of Dayton. The International Community will continue to fully support these processes. They are in the interest of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Bosniak, Serb and Croat refugees and displaced persons alike, who have been deprived of their ownership and tenancy rights. Respect for the Rule of Law is the only way forward in order to ensure equal rights for everyone.