SARAJEVO, August 27 (FENA) – Attacks on returnees and their discrimination, marginalization of Roma and minority groups, as well as the rise of hate speech and limited progress in achieving transitional justice, are the key problems of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized in the report by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and called BiH authorities to urgently address hese problems.

At the last two sessions, the committee considered the situation in BiH, after which 19 key chapters were highlighted in which the authorities in our country should urgently react and stop the existing discriminatory policies. These chapters specifically refer to minority communities, such as Roma, returnees, migrants and refugees, and asylum seekers – all recognized as victims of segregation, hate speech and hate crimes.

The members of the Roma community are highlighted as the most vulnerable group, who the Committee states are victims of constant discrimination and marginalization.

“The key problems include poor living conditions, limited access to public services and employment, especially for Roma women, inadequate health care, and low rates of enrollment and attendance of Roma children in schools,” the report states, as well as recommendations for solving their existential issues.

Of particular concern was the condition of the returnees, who say they face widespread discrimination and segregation, which hinders their return to their places of origin.

“Despite some progress in access to adequate housing, returnees still struggle with education, employment, health and social protection, and continue to face hate speech and physical violence,” the Committee concludes.

Due to this situation, they recommended that the state authorities urgently investigate all cases of hate speech and violence against returnees, in order to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted and punished.