The Right of Returnees' Children to Adequate Schooling Conditions

It is with great concern and disappointment that the OHR notes that the Municipalities of Stolac, Capljina and Bugojno have failed to solve the issue of allocating adequate facilities within existing school buildings for the children of returnees. The provision of suitable schooling facilities to returnee children must not be conditioned on the resolution of the establishment of a joint curriculum. Until such time as a joint curriculum is established, returnee children will be educated in accordance with the curriculum of their parent's choice.

Despite the active & direct engagement of the OHR to ensure that space is made available for the returnee children prior to the start of the new academic year, the failure of the respective Municipal Authorities to act indicates that there is the lack of political will to resolve the issue.

Accordingly, OHR has instructed the relevant Municipal Authorities to take the necessary steps in order to find an immediate solution to this crucial issue. Further failure to act decisively will be considered obstruction to the success of the returns process in these Municipalities.