Survivors of conflict-related sexual violence must not be the victims of politics

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina reiterates its long-held call for authorities across the country to ensure justice and adequate reparations for all survivors of sexual violence and for the children born as a consequence of rape committed during the war.

The physical, psychological and social scars of sexual violence remain for life with survivors, their families and communities. Thirty years after the end of the war, the lack of progress to address these consequences deepens the wounds. Healing requires both immediate and long-term measures, not only to support, protect and ensure justice for the survivors and children born out of rape but also to avoid future recurrence. It is unacceptable for survivors and their families to be the victims of politics. Their healing, which is essential to the healing of the whole society, must be prioritised by politicians and institutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

This year is the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a foundational text which promised humankind freedom from fear and freedom from want, equality and justice for all. It is, therefore, a symbolic year and a reminder of the need for full implementation of the recommendations of various United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the establishment of an effective and comprehensive reparation scheme at the State level to provide all forms of redress to victims of war crimes, including sexual violence.

The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina urges competent institutions to promptly and fully implement the emblematic 2019 decision of the United Nations Committee against Torture. This would send a strong signal to survivors who deal every day with the horrendous crimes they experienced and their consequences. This can also help contribute to the prevention of the repetition of such crimes.   

The United Nations reiterates its call for the authorities in Republika Srpska to end the unacceptable practice of imposing court fees on survivors who lose their cases. They have survived hideous crimes and should not be victimized again. The United Nations further calls on the Republika Srpska authorities to lift the deadline for civilian victims of wartime torture to submit a claim for recognition of their status. War crimes are not being subjected to statutes of limitations. Any deadline for seeking the recognition of one’s status as a victim of such crimes is inappropriate.