Sarajevo, 18. June 2021. – On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, 19 June and finalization of the Joint UN Programme ‘Seeking Care, Justice and Support to Conflict-related Sexual Violence Survivors in BiH’, the British Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) organized a screening the of theatrical play by young activists „Yellow Boots“. The play is an interactive theatre performance based on the elements of physical, expressive, and dramatic theatre and it strives to alleviate stigmatization of the survivors of sexual violence.  It was developed by young activists from different ethnic groups and produced by the UNFPA with the support by British Embassy as part of the project.

 “Thousands of women, girls, men and boys were exposed to sexual violence during the war. All of them need our support. They need the support of institutions and society. We all need to do better. Survivors and their families need us to ensure compensation and services to which they are entitled. They need us to fight stigmatisation. They need us to care and understand”, said H.E. Matthew Field, British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Among all distinguished representatives of the international and national community, leaders of the Inter-religious Council, civil society, and youth was the honor to host the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu who gave the keynote address as well as Ms. Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in BiH. 

During the event, Mr. John Kennedy Mosoti, UNFPA Representative in BiH stated: “Efforts of survivors to ensure non-repetition of grave crimes are aided by the generation of youth that was born after the war – those who never witnessed the bloodshed, but who unwillingly, and also unwittingly inherited the legacy of pain and trauma. Today we remind BiH society of its vitality, perseverance, and strength – coming to terms with the past is difficult, exhausting, and painful – but essential if we are to move forward. The fact that young people found the courage and the way to transform the legacy of war they had nothing to do with is a true testament of the readiness and willingness of BiH peoples to heal.”

Note to the editors:
The UN Joint Programme aimed to promote the rights and respond to the needs of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and has been implemented by: IOM, UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women. This Programme was funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, UN Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, and the Government of Canada.

For more information, please contact: 
Majda Prljača, UNFPA, at prljaca@unfpa.org or +38761171673
Biljana Ristović, Britanska ambasada Sarajevo, at biljana.ristovic@fcdo.gov.uk or +38761893519