OHR and UNHCR condemn the activities of local HDZ leaders in Mostar in their attempt, by ethnic discrimination, to halt the re-construction of Croat homes in Polje.
We have been advised that the two Bosniac companies selected through the due tendering process are not to be allowed to carry out the work. In addition, one of the three Croat companies selected was also required to cease work as it employed a Bosniac worker.
We view this as both unacceptable and hypocritical that Croat authorities continually accuse the International Community of not supporting Croat returns, whilst at the same time, party officials use coercion and politics to obstruct returns and re-construction projects which would benefit their own people.
Moreover, this blatant obstruction of the returns process will most likely have a significant impact on the attitude of the donors towards Mostar at the Donors’ Conference later this week.