Published Resources Details Journal Article

Author
Sadic, S.
Title
Social Rights of Displaced Persons and Returnees in Postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina
In
Journal of Human Rights and Social Work
Imprint
2018, pp. 1-10
Abstract

This article provides an analysis of the conditions under which migration has taken place in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the consequences of this migration. The latest mass migration, the major focus of this article, resulted from the war of independence that began in 1992. The war and nationalistic politics in the postwar period dramatically changed the demographic picture of the country. Half the total population had been forced to leave their prewar homes. Some returned after the war, but many have not and are not considering returning because of limited access to many social and human rights. These limitations are primarily a function of the majority-minority discourse that permeates policymaking and its implementation. More than two decades after the war, discrimination against ethnic minorities when they return to their prewar place of origin is a major issue. Although restitution of property has been almost completely implemented, other problems remain: housing, unemployment, education, health care, social protection, and pensions. Access to such services presents numerous challenges in the daily lives of displaced persons and returnees and increases the challenges for professional social workers in the area.