AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
MEDIA ADVISORY

AI Index: EUR 63/015/2012

26 October 2012

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Amnesty International urges Republika Srpska to address wartime sexual violence

(Banja Luka) Amnesty International delegates are in Banja Luka to meet the authorities of Republika Srpska and present a report condemning them for their failure to acknowledge and provide redress for the women and girls who were raped during the 1992-1995 war.

When everyone is silent: Reparation for survivors of war-time rape in Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, gives a snapshot of the situation today of women survivors of war-time rape – ignored and neglected -- and is part of the organization’s ongoing project to get justice and reparation.

In Banja Luka on 30 October, Amnesty International delegates, John Dalhuisen -- Europe and Central Asia Programme Director, and Lejla Hadzimesic -- researcher on Bosnia and Herzegovina, will present the organization’s concerns and recommendations to the authorities including the Ministry of Labour and Veteran Issues.

The report will also be presented to the state authorities, international organisations and civil society groups.

On 30 and 31 October and on 1 November, Thursday, Amnesty International’s delegates will be available for interviews in Banja Luka and in Sarajevo.

For more information and to arrange an interview please contact:
In Bosnia and Herzegovina after 29 October, Lejla Hadzimesic -- on 061 295 451
In London, Lydia Aroyo, Press Officer for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International on (+44) (0)20 7413 5599 or +44 (0) 7771 796 350; e-mail: laroyo@amnesty.org.