On 29 October 2007, a ceremony was held in the Rectorate of Sarajevo University to award diplomas to the European Regional Master’s Degree Programme in Human Rights and Democracy in South-Eastern Europe (ERMA) class of 2006-2007. The course is co-ordinated by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna.

ERMA is supported by the European Commission and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and each year educates more than thirty young scholars from the region in issues of human rights and democracy. The project falls into the wider category of capacity-building efforts throughout the region.

The class of 2006-2007 consisted of thirty-five students from twelve countries from the wider region as well as from the USA and Canada. The graduating students were joined by their families, including children, gathered there to congratulate them on this important occasion.

Mr. Samir Arnautovic, Vice-rector of the University of Sarajevo, congratulated the assembly and stressed that this educational programme would not be possible without the generous help of the EU and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He told the graduating students that the only limits they will now face rest within their own souls and their enthusiasm to use the acquired knowledge.

Ambassador Dimitris Kourkoulas, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to BiH, said that the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Right (EIDHR) has financed this course for some years and it is widely considered that the Sarajevo course – organised in partnership with the University of Bologna – has been a success. He stressed that knowledge of, and respect for, human rights is of vital importance to the internal development of the countries of the region, as well as for their ultimate integration in the European Union. He sees this as an opportunity to improve human rights and democracy in the Western Balkans and as a real obligation on the part of all the stakeholders to work towards this end.

His Excellency Alessandro Fallavollita, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy in BiH, also stressed the importance of human rights for the countries of the region, whether they are on their way to becoming full member of the EU or are already a member. He expressed his pleasure with the results achieved by the collaboration between the universities of Sarajevo and Bologna.

Mr. Fabrizio Nava, of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that his Ministry is pleased to be able to help this project. He believes that the most precious capital is human knowledge, especially when used in the field of human rights.

Mr. Stefano Bianchini, Co-director of the ERMA in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe, expressed his joy at being able to celebrate the seventh graduation. Since 2000, when the programme started, over 200 students have graduated. He informed that an Alumni Association has been established and has already given results by linking former students and colleagues that are now active in decision-making positions or in non-governmental organisations in their countries. He gave an overview of the studies and process which enabled the students to write and defend their thesis.

After the diplomas were awarded, Mr. Zdravko Grebo, Co-director of the ERMA in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe, announced which had been the six best Master’s Degree Thesis in the academic year.