United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina visits Brcko, highlights importance of safeguarding peaceful and prosperous communities

In her meetings with the Mayor Kadrić and members of the Brcko District Assembly, the United Nations Resident Coordinator commended the District’s engagement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina and alignment of the District’s development strategy with the Framework. The SDGs framework was finalized last year, with the engagement of key public and numerous private sector stakeholders, including from the Brcko District. It represents a clear commitment to work towards sustainable, peaceful and prosperous development, and the meetings with the Brcko District representatives discussed how it can further support strengthening in areas such as energy efficiency, Reimagined Education and COVID-19 response and recovery.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator welcomed recent statements by the Brcko District authorities, rejecting divisive rhetoric, discriminatory statements and attempts at instrumentalization, which can fuel insecurity, anxiety, mistrust and instability within communities.

During the meeting with Chief of Police Pisic, the United Nations Resident Coordinator commended the swift and professional police response to recent incidents and encouraged continued vigilance in countering hate speech, as well as cooperation to build community resilience.

At the meeting with the three Associations of families of missing persons, and members of the Associations of civilian and women victims of war, the representatives agreed on the need to renew efforts in the search for missing people, as well as in prosecuting related criminal cases. Further challenges remain in the lack of a clear legal status of the civilian victims of war in Brcko District, and the a non-harmonized approach to the issue. Dr. Macdonald noted that any offensive acts towards survivors of atrocity crimes, their families and returnees, only further perpetuate the suffering and impede efforts for constructive dialogue and that a law for civilian victims of war should be a priority.

The importance of fostering constructive dialogue which opens space for youth engagement and strengthened civil society, was highlighted as one of the key elements for securing a future which benefits all member of society, during conversations with representatives of Vermont and PRONI youth organizations. Fostering a sense of safety in the community and showcasing opportunities, as well as good examples, were also noted at important for engaging young people to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Macdonald also met with the Red Cross team of Brcko District and visited their COVID19 vaccination center, commending impressive community outreach efforts, the call center and coordination around COVID19 response and the vaccination process.

The United Nations team in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support activities which advance the Sustainable Development Goals and the pandemic response in Brcko District of BiH, working together with partners in leaving no one behind.