Bosnia and Herzegovina has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first country worldwide to confer the status of a civilian victim of war upon a child born from the heinous crime of wartime rape.
This landmark decision stems from the expert assessment of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commission tasked with determining the status of civilian victims of war. Following their recommendation, the Center for Social Work made history by officially acknowledging the status and rights of the first child born as a consequence of wartime rape as a distinct category of civilian victims of war.
Protected Rights
This significant decision aligns with the provisions outlined in the Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War, which came into effect earlier this year after nearly three decades of anticipation. The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy stands unwaveringly alongside the victims, ensuring their rights remain safeguarded.
Adnan Delic, the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy, emphasized the critical nature of this stride:
“This step is of vital importance in the process of reckoning with the past and constructing a society that denounces violence and upholds human rights. It’s a society that combats stigma and institutional silence.”
Delic stressed that crimes committed during wartime must not escape accountability, underscoring the imperative for victims to receive comprehensive support and justice.
Active Confrontation with the Past
The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy issues a fervent call for active engagement in confronting past atrocities and advocating for civilian victims of war crimes. The ministry urges women subjected to wartime rape and their offspring to apply and register as a distinct category of civilian victims of war.
A Call to Action
The ministry extends an invitation to all victims of war rape and their offspring, urging them to come forward and register to ensure their rights are upheld under the law. Moreover, this initiative aims to preserve the truth surrounding these atrocities and prevent their relegation to oblivion.
In a resolute effort to foster a society built on justice, compassion, and remembrance, BiH stands at the forefront of recognizing and addressing the enduring ramifications of wartime violence, setting a precedent for global accountability and solidarity.
