Human rights day highlights ongoing struggles for returnees in Bosnia
Human Rights Day (December 10) is an opportunity for the Union for Sustainable Return and Integration in BiH (UZOPI) to critically point out that, nearly three decades after the establishment of peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a significant number of returnees and displaced persons in rural and suburban areas still have unresolved existential needs, such as employment, infrastructure, social services, and healthcare, CE Report quotes FENA.
UZOPI has called attention to the critical issues affecting these communities, highlighting the gaps in access to employment, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services. According to UZOPI, these issues are not only an obstacle to their social and economic integration but also undermine the principles of human dignity and equality that Human Rights Day aims to uphold.
In many returnee areas, the lack of reliable public services such as healthcare and education is a persistent problem. Hospitals and clinics remain underfunded, and the quality of medical care is often insufficient, leaving many people unable to access essential services. Employment opportunities are similarly limited, particularly in rural areas, where job markets are underdeveloped and industries are scarce. As a result, many returnees continue to live in poverty, without a stable source of income or a means to support their families.
Infrastructure remains another significant hurdle. Many areas lack adequate road networks, electricity, and water supply, which further isolates communities and hinders their ability to thrive. The absence of proper infrastructure makes it difficult for returnees to build stable lives, forcing many to leave their homes in search of better opportunities.
UZOPI has emphasized that these unresolved needs are not only a humanitarian concern but a challenge to the country’s long-term stability and development. The organization has called on local, regional, and international authorities to prioritize the needs of returnees and displaced persons, ensuring that they have the tools and support to rebuild their lives.
In light of these issues, Human Rights Day 2024 is a crucial opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to reflect on its commitment to human rights and social inclusion. UZOPI has urged the government to take immediate steps to address the gaps in services and support, ensuring that all citizens, including returnees, can access the rights and opportunities they are entitled to. The organization has also called for a greater focus on the needs of marginalized communities and for policies that promote sustainable development, integration, and equality.
The day serves as a reminder that the work towards lasting peace and equality is far from complete. While Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress since the war, the road ahead is long, and the country must remain dedicated to fulfilling the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their origin or background.
