Panel discussion on statelessness on the Human Rights Day programme of the 30th the Sarajevo Film Festival

As part of the Human Rights Day programme of the 30th the Sarajevo Film Festival, UNHCR Representation in Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a panel about statelessness. In an inspiring discussion, key stakeholders, from UNHCR, the association Vaša prava BiH, the BiH Ombudsmen’s office, and a former stateless person, shared their insights and experience about this phenomenon with over 20 European Youth Ambassadors from the Western Balkans region. Panelists spoke to the group of future leaders about this less known yet very important topic, and how it is portrayed in film and media.

The Resident Coordinator of the UN in Bosnia and Herzegovina Ingrid Macdonald opened the panel, highlighting BiH’s achievement in resolving all but 18 cases of statelessness, with the realistic potential of becoming the first country in Europe to do so. Ms Macdonald stressed that the right to nationality is a universal human right every person is entitled to and called on all relevant actors in BiH to join forces in the final effort to end statelessness.

European Youth Ambassadors actively engaged in the discussion about concrete challenges that #stateless people face in their daily lives, but also joint actions to help improve their situation. We are very pleased that young people are eager to learn more about statelessness, and we thank all participants for their contribution. Let's continue to work together because everyone deserves to be able to say #IBelong!