Today, 24th of March, is the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims.

Across the world, a number of initiatives are being held to commemorate those who have suffered and perished, and to reject war, violence and human rights violations as a means to achieve political ends.

Considering the history of Bosnia Herzegovina, the widespread suffering and the toll taken by the 1990s conflict on so many lives, we would like to honour the dignity of innocent victims and all those who still carry the scars of the past.

While we use this moment to pause in remembrance, we also express the strong hope that the political leadership of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including political parties, will get together on a special day to honour the dignity of innocent victims of all faiths and backgrounds. This would be seen as a sign of mutual recognition of each other’s suffering, a necessary step to help build bridges across a divided past, together – with a view toward the future.

The EU Delegation, the Embassy of Italy as Chair in Office of OSCE for 2018, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia Herzegovina and the United Nations in Bosnia Herzegovina join together today with the rest of the international community in remembering the victims across the globe. We remain ready to unite with the leadership and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark a similar occasion.