The High Representative and EU Special Representative, Valentin Inzko, met with representatives of the Republika Srpska Associations of families of missing persons in Lukavica today.

HR/EUSR Inzko emphasized the determination of the International Community to ensure that the process of finding and identifying the remains of those still missing is completed without further political pressure or interference. “Every innocent victim deserves our respect; the best way to honour them is to ensure a dignified burial and that the perpetrators of the crimes face justice”, said HR/EUSR Inzko today.

The International Community is aware that thousands of families are still waiting to find out what happened to their loved ones and will continue to support the effort to find answers for the victims families’ through the BiH Missing Persons Institute (MPI). This work is critical for peace implementation: it strengthens the rule of law, and safeguards society against historical revisionism. “Resolving the remaining cases within a reasonable time frame is essential for these families and for the reconciliation process,” said HR/EUSR Inzko.

Representatives of the RS Associations also expressed the concern that court decisions, including those of the Human Rights Chamber, are often implemented slowly, if at all. The HR/EUSR Inzko expressed the view that this was a basic issue of the Rule of Law and that Governments of both Federation of BiH and the Republika Srpska must invest more efforts in order to accelerate the implementation of these decisions.