The Human Rights House Banja Luka expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the young man, Mehmed Hasanamidžić, who recently lost his life in a minefield near Doboj. This tragedy, unfortunately, reminds us that, although almost three decades have passed since the end of the war, the danger of mines still poses a serious threat to the lives of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Each new mine victim clearly shows that this problem is not a thing of the past and that decisive and systematic action by the competent institutions to remove remaining weapons and mine-suspected areas is urgently needed.
Mines not only threaten people’s lives, but also one of the most basic human rights – freedom of movement. Fear of mines restricts everyday life, prevents the carefree movement of children and young people, and slows down the development of local communities and economic progress.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a state party to international conventions and agreements that protect human rights, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, has a clear obligation to take all measures to protect the lives of its citizens and eliminate mine hazards from its territory. It is unacceptable to wait for another tragedy to react – the safety and rights of citizens must be a priority.
As an organization that deals with human rights and the protection of citizens, the Human Rights House Banja Luka supports all activities aimed at informing the public about the dangers of mines and preventing accidents.
We call on all educational institutions, youth centers, the civil sector, the media and the wider community to get involved in joint information and prevention activities, in order to protect the lives and rights of the younger generations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina must not wait for another tragedy to realize the seriousness of this problem. It is time for joint and systemic action, so that mines become just a part of our past, and the rights and safety of citizens a reality in the present.
