prijava
LONDON/SARAJEVO, November 15 (FENA) - Amnesty International (AI) sent a letter today to the Prime Minister of Una Sana Canton, Mustafa Ružnić, regarding the decision of the Cantonal Operational Group for migration to introduce, starting on 15 November, a 24-hour restriction on movement of refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers who are currently accommodated in temporary camps Bira and Miral in Bihać.
According to the Cantonal Minister of Interior, Nermin Kljajić, such restriction would be “absolute and lifted only in cases where the persons intended to travel towards the state border in order to attempt to cross into Croatia.”
Amnesty International considers this decision by the Cantonal Operational Group highly problematic; it is contrary to international law and would make the already difficult situation of thousands of people stranded in the Una-Sana Canton completely intolerable. Amnesty International urged the Cantonal authorities to lift the current restrictions and refrain from introducing any measures that would further restrict the rights of the refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers who are currently on the territory of the Canton.
The right to freedom of movement is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and European Convention on Human Rights, both of which additionally provide for all persons – regardless if they are citizens of a state or not – to enjoy the rights and freedoms, including the freedom of movement. That right is also guaranteed under the Annex 4 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Foreign nationals, including persons who irregularly entered BiH, and who are currently on BiH territory, are entitled to the same human rights and protections as citizens of BiH. Any attempts to collectively limit any of these rights would constitute discrimination.
Amnesty International fully appreciates the pressure felt by the Una-Sana Canton as a result of the number of refugees and migrants present. We are also conscious that other authorities in BiH, including the ministries at the state level and in Republika Srpska, have not provided the necessary support to Cantonal authorities or shown true political commitment to adequately address the situation.
On numerous occasions, Amnesty International has called the Council of Ministers and the governments at the entity levels to take full responsibility for the accommodation of refugees and migrants and secure adequate facilities in both entities. The situation whereby Una-Sana Canton bears all pressure is unsustainable. However, the decision of your government to impose measures that further violate the rights of people in the camps cannot be justified.
Instead of imposing measures, which confine refugees and migrants in inadequate centers, authorities in BiH should urgently identify additional facilities – in both entities – for the accommodation of thousands of people who are currently sleeping rough. All further delays mean that BiH is ever closer to an imminent humanitarian crisis, stated Amnesty International in its press release.
(FENA) S. R.
