PDHR: Full support for a comprehensive National War Crimes Strategy

The OHR’s Principal Deputy High Representative, Raffi Gregorian, today met Mirjana Simanic and Staka Vukmanovic, of the Organisation of families of imprisoned and killed soldiers and missing civilians from East Sarajevo.

Resolving war crimes cases is vital for reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. OHR supports the right of families of victims to have their voices heard and to exercise their legal rights. During the meeting PDHR Gregorian noted the poor record of both Entity Governments with regard to the implementation of Human Rights Chambers Decisions. “I will continue to appeal to the governments of the Federation and the RS to work on the implementation of Human Rights Chamber decisions in the field of missing persons” said Principal Deputy High Representative Gregorian.

One of the most important issues this country faces is the processing of war crimes. Resolving issues related to war crimes plays a crucial role in the process of reconciliation, and is badly needed in Bosnia and Herzegovina. ”Everyone in the country is frustrated at the time taken to process war crimes,” said PDHR Gregorian. “This is why the High Representative and I strongly support the adoption a comprehensive National War Crimes Strategy.”