Peace begins with history

Over 20 years after the dissolution of Yugoslavia “societies in many Countries of the region are extremely polarized along ethic lines”, underlined the commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Nils Muiznieks, who recently took part in the commemorations for the Srebrenica genocide. “Stronger efforts are needed on the part of public authorities in these Countries, in order to reach a long-lasting peace based on the recognition of historical events and on the reconciliation of the peoples in the region”, points out the high European Commissioner, interviewed by Nike Giurlani for SIR Europe.What is the situation of human rights in the Balkan area? “The heritage of the last wars is a cloud hovering over the entire region: 12.200 people have disappeared, 423 thousand are refugees or displaced persons and will never return to their homes, some 20thousand people are without citizenship and risk becoming Stateless. Worse still, no less than 20 thousand women were raped during the war and never received psychological support to handle their traumas. This situation, combined with impunity for war crimes, hinders reconciliation and jeopardizes the full enjoyment of human rights, democracy and Rule of the Law”.What are the main problems that need to be addressed? “Firstly, there should no longer be impunity for serious violations of human rights committed during the last wars. Long-lasting reconciliation cannot take place if the authors of war crimes avoid law enforcement and continue living near the victims. For this purpose judicial systems, encompassing the protection of witnesses and advice, should be stepped up. Second, there needs to be clarity on the fate of all missing persons in order to end the ongoing agony of their families. Third, long-term solutions should be found to the problem of refugees and displaced persons in the region and to the situation of all Stateless persons inside and outside the region, notably the Roma”.Which other issues deserve urgent action? “It is necessary to establish the historical truth on the wars. It’s the primary condition for the establishment of permanent peaceful relations between the peoples in the region. Finally, educational systems ought to be reformed in order to promote the authentic knowledge of history, tolerance and trust among different peoples, especially among the young generations”.Which steps forward have been made?  “Inter-governmental dialogue and reconciliation talks have been ongoing. In the month of January Bosnia-Herzegovina signed a protocol on Cooperation in Prosecution of Perpetrators of War Crimes. Past April Serbian president Nikoliæ presented his apologies for war crimes by Serbian forces in Srebrenica and in Kosovo, while Serbia has signed a political agreement with Northern Kosovo. Moreover, the initiative by the NGO Recom, aimed at establishing the historical truth and communicating war crimes findings stepped up the peoples’ awareness of the importance of the reconciliation process. The initiative also enjoys Serbia’s support. These are important steps on the path towards gradual reconciliation, which ought to be followed by wise vision and determined political leadership, endorsed by the international community”.What can be done for the victims and for their families? “Justice first of all. On July 11 I was in Srebrenica for the commemoration of the genocide and I saw that the victims and their relatives are still devastated by the genocide and by the slowness in assessing the historical truth. Srebrenica embodies the suffering that wars leave behind, in particular when not much has been done to provide adequate recognition and support to the victims”.What are the main goals for the future?  “Reconciliation and social cohesion, in compliance with European human rights standards. The governments in the region ought to acknowledge the importance of such rights and work for the creation of more inclusive and tolerant societies, drawing from the lessons of the past. More investments should also be made in the realm of education, in particular for the young generations, to overcome prejudice and hatred, on understanding and cooperation. This will contribute to the shaping of more harmonious and cohesive societies without ethical and religious divisions in this tormented part of Europe. The Council of Europe and the European Council play an important, complementary role to this regard”.