Bosnia's orphans face severe neglect and inadequate care due to a dysfunctional state system. Many children in orphanages come from unstable families, and the institutions themselves are plagued by poor conditions, lack of oversight, and insufficient support. Experts and social workers criticize the government for failing to implement effective adoption policies and for not addressing the systemic issues that leave these vulnerable children without proper care. The complex political structure of Bosnia, divided into the Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, further complicates efforts to improve the situation, leading to widespread inequality and neglect.

Seventeen years after Bosnia's wars, many children are separated from their families due to poverty, discrimination, and displacement. The Sarajevo Open Centre, an NGO, provides day-care services for over 400 street children daily. However, the state has failed to offer adequate support for vulnerable children, with NGOs unable to provide long-term solutions. The lack of a national census since 1991 complicates the issue, leaving the exact number of children without parental care unknown.

In rural Bosnia and Herzegovina, the aftermath of the ethnic cleansing campaign led by Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic has left many families struggling to survive. Refugees, including single mother Zehra and her son Alen, live in ruined buildings, grappling with the loss of male relatives and destroyed homes. The article sheds light on their daily struggles and the impact of the conflict on their lives.

Bosnians are confused by Zeljko Komsic's recent actions, where he quit the Social Democrat party out of principle only to return two days later, raising questions about his commitment to those principles.

Bosnia’s State Prosecution has ended its investigation into senior officials regarding the 1992 attack on a JNA convoy in Sarajevo, citing insufficient evidence of crime. The decision, made by prosecutor Jude Romano, has faced criticism and may exacerbate ethnic tensions. Serbia continues its parallel investigation and may issue international arrest warrants. The case remains unresolved, with potential implications for Bosnia's ethnic relations and judicial credibility.

Former Dutch UN peacekeepers and survivors of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre allege that Dutch soldiers buried at least five adults and one baby in a grave inside the Dutch UN compound in Potocari. Despite efforts to locate the grave, its whereabouts remain unknown. The article recounts the traumatic experiences of survivors and soldiers, highlighting the challenges faced during the massacre and the ongoing search for answers. The Dutch Ministry of Defence and various organizations have been criticized for their handling of the situation, while survivors continue to seek closure and justice.

The 445th traditional dive jumps from Mostar's Old Bridge, a UNESCO monument, will see a record number of participants this year. The event, starting with a midnight jump, will host over 100 competitors from various countries, including Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Emir Balic, a retired champion-diver and head of the organizing committee, expressed confidence in the event's organization. The Old Bridge, a 16th-century Ottoman structure, was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War and reconstructed in 2004.

The Austrian court's decision to decline Serbia's request for the extradition of retired Bosnian Army general Jovan Divjak has sparked mixed reactions in Bosnia. Bosnian leaders, including Zeljko Komsic and Bakir Izetbegovic, welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step towards ending the harassment of Bosnian war defenders. Conversely, Bosnian Serb leaders and Serbian officials condemned the ruling, citing anti-Serb bias and potential polarization of relations in Bosnia. The court's decision was influenced by doubts about Serbia's ability to guarantee a fair trial and an earlier ruling by the Hague tribunal.

Bosnian political leaders, including SDA leader Sulejman Tihic, SDP leader Zlatko Lagumdzija, and HDZ head Dragan Covic, are nearing an agreement to form a state government. The proposed package includes elements such as a Council of Ministers, a population census, military property, state aid, and compliance with a European Court of Human Rights ruling. Despite Tihic's optimism, Covic remains cautious, noting that no specific candidates or ministries have been discussed. The political gridlock has persisted for ten months since the last general election, with the Bosniak and Croat-dominated Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina experiencing a significant impasse. The Croat parties, supported by leading Serbian parties, argue for the right to propose the state prime minister, with Borjana Kristo as their candidate.

BH Airlines plans to launch charter flights from Mostar to Pescara, targeting pilgrims visiting the Medjugorje shrine. The service, starting in early September and running until the end of October, will face competition from Croatia Airlines. Medjugorje, a significant pilgrimage site since 1981, has transformed into an economic asset for Western Herzegovina, attracting visitors primarily from Italy and Ireland. Mostar Airport has seen strong passenger numbers, becoming Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second busiest airport.

Bosnia remains in a deadlock over forming a state government as the two main Croat parties propose Borjana Kristo for the chair of the Council of Ministers. Previous candidate Slavo Kukic failed to gain necessary support from both the Serb-dominated Republika Srpska and leading Croat parties. Key political figures, including Dragan Covic, Zlatko Lagumdzija, and Sulejman Tihic, have held meetings to resolve the issue. Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, accuses Bosniak parties of trying to dominate Serbs and Croats and insists that the next Foreign Affairs minister must be a Serb.

The Peace Academy Foundation in Sarajevo has launched the Post-Yugoslav Peace Academy, an educational initiative combining academic and activist approaches to peace-building. The program, attracting participants from the Balkans, EU, Turkey, and the US, focuses on media, gender, and language in peace-building. Despite limited impact due to differing visions for Bosnia's future, interest in the Academy grows, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and individual responsibility in peace-building. The Academy aims to foster reconciliation, address war crimes, and promote non-violence and non-discrimination.

Bosnia's search for a state prime minister remains unresolved nine and a half months after the general election. Slavo Kukic, the candidate proposed by the Social Democratic Party-led coalition, failed to secure the necessary support from Bosnia's major Serb and Croat parties. The State Presidency must now propose a new candidate within eight days. Kukic, who will return to his academic role at the University of Mostar, expressed disappointment with the outcome, indicating ongoing political challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Slavo Kukic, despite receiving majority support in Bosnia's state parliament, failed to secure the necessary backing from the Bosnian Serb entity, Republika Srpska, to become Prime Minister. His nomination was opposed by major Croat parties and a right-wing Bosniak party, while supported by the Social Democratic Party and other smaller parties. Kukic's program emphasized Bosnia's sovereignty and Euro-Atlantic integration. The failure to form a state government persists nine months after the last general election. Kukic hopes for a second round of voting, where he would need to avoid rejection by a third of Republika Srpska delegates.

Slavo Kukic's prospects of becoming Bosnia's next Prime Minister appear slim due to a lack of support from Republika Srpska (RS). Despite Bosnia's failure to form a state government nine months after the general election, Kukic remains optimistic about securing a simple majority in the state parliament to advance to the second round of voting. However, Serbian parties from RS, including the Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) and the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), have expressed strong opposition to his candidacy. Additionally, the main Bosnian Croat parties, Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and HDZ 1990, have also refused to support Kukic.

Tuzla Airport in Bosnia has launched a direct flight service to Dubai operated by Air Arabia, running twice weekly until October, with potential for extension. The airport aims to serve Bosnians working in the Middle East and hopes to handle up to 10,000 passengers annually. Despite past struggles to attract business, recent investments and interest from Turkish Airlines to develop a cargo hub signal potential growth. The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has invested in infrastructure improvements to support this development.

Jasmin Imamovic, Mayor of Tuzla, and Igor Palandzic from UNDP signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Energy Management Information System (EMIS) in Tuzla. This web application, developed by UNDP Croatia, will monitor and analyze energy and water consumption in public buildings, aiming to increase energy efficiency and achieve financial savings. The project aligns with the EU's priorities for Bosnia's potential membership candidacy. Similar initiatives are planned for Sarajevo and Banja Luka.

Slavo Kukic, the nominee for Bosnia's Prime Minister, faces significant opposition from the main Serbian and Croatian parties, including the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats and the Croatian Democratic Union. Despite his efforts to gain support, Kukic has been unable to secure backing from key political entities, prolonging the nine-month deadlock in forming a state government. The European Parliament's Jelko Kacin emphasized that the core issue is the ongoing failure to establish a state-level government, rather than Kukic's candidacy itself.

The annual Srebrenica commemoration faces funding challenges due to Bosnia's political deadlock and lack of a state budget. The Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees is responsible for a significant portion of the funding, but the budget is yet to be adopted. The organizing committee has requested financial support from various Bosnian institutions. Despite financial constraints, preparations for the 16th anniversary, including a peace march, are underway. The Potocari Memorial Centre will fund the reburial of massacre victims. The Srebrenica massacre, recognized as genocide by international courts, remains a significant historical event, with many victims still unidentified.

The project 'Srebrenica – Mapping Genocide' presents an animated documentary using 17 maps to detail the events surrounding the Srebrenica massacre by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995. The interactive material, developed by the Youth Initiative for Human Rights, aims to prevent manipulation of facts about the genocide, with evidence based on court rulings and original documents. The project, initially released on DVD, is now available online, offering comprehensive resources for research and education.

The ethics committee of the University of Sarajevo has ruled that law professors Bajro Golic and Zdravko Lucic, accused of sexually exploiting students, should be banned from educational and scientific activities for life. Sanjin Omanovic, another suspect, was suspended for two years, while former Dean Fuad Saltaga received a reprimand for inaction. The scandal, dating back several years, involved professors exchanging exam questions for sexual services. The Cantonal Court in Tuzla had previously sentenced Jasmin Masic, the chauffeur involved, to two years in prison for abetting prostitution.

Josip Katalinski, a celebrated Bosnian footballer, passed away at the age of 63. Known for his remarkable career, Katalinski played over 250 games in the national league of the former Yugoslavia, scoring 48 goals as a defender. He was a key player for Sarajevo-based club Zeljeznicar, with over 350 games and 100 goals, and also represented the Yugoslav national team in 41 games, scoring 10 goals. Katalinski's career highlights include becoming a national champion in 1972, being named Footballer of the Year in 1974, and scoring the decisive goal in the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off against Spain. He also played for French club OGC Nice before retiring in 1978 due to a knee injury.

Bosnia's Centre for Responsible Democracy has launched an anti-corruption initiative by issuing 'zero banknotes' to discourage bribery, reflecting a similar campaign in India. The NGO, which also operates a whistle-blower site, aims to combat ingrained corruption in public institutions by encouraging citizens to reject bribery. Bojan Bajic, the initiative's coordinator, emphasizes the lack of legal protection for whistle-blowers in Bosnia and the potential of their secure reporting channel to expose corruption.

European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele is set to chair the first meeting on judicial reform in Banja Luka, with representatives from all levels of Bosnian government participating. The talks follow EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton's successful persuasion of Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to abandon a referendum that would have challenged the authority of Bosnia's highest judicial institutions. The meeting aims to set the framework for further negotiations, with key figures such as Bakir Izetbegovic, Dzerard Selman, and Sadik Ahmetovic in attendance. The completion of judicial reforms is expected to take up to seven years, contingent on broader constitutional reforms.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska repealed a controversial referendum proposed by President Milorad Dodik, which would have challenged Bosnia's state court and prosecution. The decision followed a month-long crisis and a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, leading to an agreement to hold a dialogue on judicial reform. Opposition leaders criticized Dodik for devaluing the referendum tool, while ruling party members supported the decision, viewing it as a diplomatic success.

Lawmakers in Republika Srpska are debating the cancellation of a referendum on the state judiciary, initially proposed by President Milorad Dodik. The referendum was dropped after the EU guaranteed judicial reform in Bosnia. Opposition parties criticized Dodik for canceling the vote, arguing it was a defeat for his party's policy. The debate highlights the political tensions and differing perspectives on the judiciary reform process.

Hasan Nuhanovic, a survivor of the Srebrenica massacre, reflects on the arrest of Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb commander responsible for the genocide of over 8,000 men and boys in 1995. Despite Mladic's arrest, Nuhanovic feels justice has not been served, as the arrest was politically motivated rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. The article highlights the role of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in classifying the massacre as genocide and criticizes the Dutch peacekeepers for their failure to protect the refugees. The capture of Mladic, following the arrests of Slobodan Milosevic and Radovan Karadzic, leaves Goran Hadzic as the last major fugitive from the Yugoslav wars.

Talks on forming a state government in Bosnia are expected to intensify next week, according to Djordje Latinovic, spokesman for Nebojsa Radmanovic, chairman of the State Presidency. Despite the constituent session of the State Parliament marking progress, no coalition has been formed to command a majority. The EU High Representative in Bosnia, Valentin Inzko, welcomed the appointment of the parliament's leadership, warning of economic risks if state institutions are not formed soon.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton reported to EU ministers about her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the cancellation of a controversial referendum by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. The cancellation followed Ashton's visit and was exchanged for a commitment to reform the state’s judicial system. EU Enlargement Commission Stefan Fuele will lead the commission to analyze and recommend reforms for the country's judicial institutions, with the first meeting expected in Banja Luka in June.

The EU foreign ministers in Brussels will discuss Bosnia's judicial reform following a special report by Catherine Ashton. Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik abandoned a controversial referendum on the state court and prosecution after meeting with Ashton, agreeing instead to reform the judicial system. The EU will establish a commission to analyze and recommend reforms, with Stefan Fuele leading the effort. While the referendum's withdrawal was seen as a positive step by Brussels, opposition leaders in Republika Srpska viewed it as a capitulation. The outcome of the reform talks remains uncertain, but a Supreme Court formation is anticipated.

The OSCE has recommended the establishment of a supreme court in Bosnia to harmonize the interpretation of criminal law, alongside granting constitutional status to the state court and prosecutor’s office. This proposal has sparked debate, with Bosnian Serb leaders, including Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and the SNSD party, opposing the centralization of judicial power. In contrast, Bosniak parties support the idea, viewing it as a guarantor of stability. The discussion follows a recent dispute over a proposed referendum on the state court and prosecution in Republika Srpska, which was dropped after EU intervention. The EU is expected to discuss Bosnia’s judicial system, though it is unclear if the supreme court proposal will be on the agenda.

A Bosnian football delegation met with FIFA and UEFA representatives in Zurich, reaching an agreement to lift Bosnia's suspension from international play. The suspension was initially imposed due to the refusal of Bosnia's football federation to change its statute. The normalization committee, led by Ivica Osim, has been working to amend the statutes to meet international regulations. FIFA and UEFA expressed satisfaction with the committee's progress and support for their efforts, with the expectation that the new statutes will be approved by the deadline of May 26.

Republika Srpska's decision to drop the referendum on the state court and prosecutor, following a meeting with Catherine Ashton, has been met with mixed reactions from Bosnian political figures. Zlatko Lagumdzija of the Social Democrats expressed relief, while Milorad Dodik faced criticism from opposition leaders for what they termed a political defeat. Ashton emphasized the importance of political dialogue and the EU's commitment to Bosnia's future. The decision is expected to pave the way for forming a state-level government, previously hindered by the referendum issue.

Milorad Dodik, president of Republika Srpska, agreed to reconsider a controversial referendum after meeting with EU officials Catherine Ashton and Miroslav Lajcak. The referendum, which faced international criticism and threats of annulment, questioned the legitimacy of laws imposed by the High Representative in Bosnia. Dodik expressed confidence in gaining parliamentary support for the new decision and highlighted the EU's readiness to engage in structured dialogue on Bosnia's judiciary issues. Ashton reaffirmed the EU's commitment to Bosnia's progress and scheduled further meetings with Bosnian leaders.

The Normalization Committee of the Football Association of Bosnia (NSBiH) is set to meet with FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini in Switzerland to discuss lifting Bosnia's suspension from international play. The suspension was imposed after the NSBiH assembly refused to replace its three-member presidency with a single president. Ivica Osim leads the delegation, which includes Bosnian football ambassadors. The meeting aims to address objections from the Football Association of Republika Srpska regarding the voting system in the new statute. The RS president, Milorad Dodik, has expressed conditional support for the new statute. The NSBiH must adopt the new statute by May 26 to avoid a one-year suspension.

Valentin Inzko, the international High Representative for Bosnia, warned the UN Security Council about the Bosnian Serb officials' referendum plan, which he claims violates the Dayton peace agreement and threatens Bosnia's political stability. The US supports Inzko's stance, while Russia and Serbia disagree, viewing the referendum as non-violative. The EU also opposes the referendum, urging its cancellation. Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik suggested a possible postponement of the referendum under certain conditions.

Bosnian and Serbian NGOs, along with international representatives, gathered at the Omarska coal mine to commemorate the victims of the Omarska concentration camp. The event coincided with Victory Day over Fascism and included the reading of an Anti-Fascism Declaration. The commemoration faced opposition from Prijedor's mayor, Marko Pavic, who accused the organizers of provoking Serb citizens. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) had previously established that Serb forces detained and killed thousands of Bosnian Muslims and Croats at the camp in 1992. Arcelor Mittal, the mine's owner, allowed limited access for the event.

Valentin Inzko, Europe's top envoy to Bosnia, refrained from using his international powers to ban a referendum in the Bosnian Serb entity, giving them additional time to reconsider. The Republika Srpska parliament had voted to hold a referendum on withdrawing recognition of the state court and prosecutor, which Inzko described as a serious violation of the 1995 peace agreement. The report accuses Republika Srpska authorities, particularly President Milorad Dodik, of undermining Bosnia's territorial integrity and obstructing state institutions. While some Bosnian Serb leaders, like Emil Vlajki, hinted at a possible compromise, others, including Dodik, remained defiant. The situation remains tense, with potential implications for Bosnia's political stability.

Bosnian Serb officials may leave state institutions if High Representative Valentin Inzko imposes sanctions against Serb leaders. This follows the Republika Srpska's decision to hold a referendum on the state court, which has been condemned by other ethnic groups and the international community. Inzko has warned he will annul the decision if the National Assembly does not. Key figures like Sredoje Novic and Milorad Dodik have expressed their positions, while opposition leader Mladen Ivanic remains uncertain about the SNSD's capacity to follow through on their threats.

The Committee for Nurturing the Traditions of Liberation Wars of Republika Srpska held a memorial walk in Sarajevo to mark the anniversary of the Dobrovoljacka Street incident, where JNA soldiers were killed during the Bosnian War. The event, attended by 150 people including victims' families and Serb authorities, was peaceful and well-covered by local media. The incident remains a contentious issue in Bosnia, with ongoing investigations and past international arrest warrants for key figures involved.

Bosnia’s Federation parliament adopted a declaration condemning Republika Srpska's decision to hold a referendum on the State Court and Prosecutor’s Office, reaffirming commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration and the Dayton Peace Accords. The declaration rejects challenges to state-level judicial institutions and condemns attacks on state agencies. Opposition Croat parties did not attend the session, while Serb representatives criticized the declaration. The referendum decision, deemed unconstitutional by international representatives, is set for June.

Serbian President Boris Tadic hosted Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Bosnia’s tripartite presidency in Karadjordjevo, Serbia, to discuss regional cooperation and EU integration. Tadic emphasized Serbia's commitment to Bosnia's territorial integrity and the importance of processing war crimes. The leaders stressed the need for improved bilateral and trilateral cooperation and addressed issues such as war crimes indictments and the controversial referendum in Republika Srpska. The meeting aimed to maintain peace and stability in the Balkans, with a focus on mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty.

Bosnia's political landscape is divided over the formation of the Croat National Assembly by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) and HDZ 1990, following their exclusion from the regional government. High Representative Valentin Inzko emphasized the need for dialogue within established institutions. The assembly, supported by some Croat parties, calls for constitutional reforms and greater Croat autonomy, while facing opposition from Bosniak and Serb leaders. The assembly's legitimacy and potential impact on Bosnia's political structure remain contentious, with various political figures expressing differing views on its implications for the country's governance and ethnic relations.

The newly formed assembly aims to protect the interests of Bosnian Croats, criticizing the current government structure and calling for more federal units, including a Croat-majority territory. The initiative, led by HDZ and HDZ 1990, comes after their exclusion from the regional government. The assembly's role and funding remain unclear, and it faces opposition from international officials who reject parallel institutions.

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska approved a proposal by President Milorad Dodik to hold a referendum on the state-level war crimes court and the laws imposed by the High Representative in Bosnia. The referendum, which has not yet been scheduled, is seen by the High Representative as an attempt to undermine state law and the Dayton peace agreement. The decision faces potential blockage by the Council of Peoples. Dodik argues the court disproportionately prosecutes Serbs, while critics warn the referendum could destabilize Bosnia's judicial institutions.

A group of students from Munich will visit Omarska, a former Bosnian Serb detention camp, as part of a school project. The visit highlights ongoing disputes over access to the site and the establishment of a memorial. AcelorMittal, the company owning the site, has restricted access to only the 'White House,' a building notorious for severe beatings. Former detainees and victims' associations express concerns over the limited access and the delay in creating a memorial. The Hague Tribunal and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia have documented severe human rights abuses at the camp during the 1990s war.

Bozidar Vucurevic, former mayor of Trebinje and founder of the Serbian Democratic Party, is under investigation by Bosnia’s judicial authorities for crimes committed during the Bosnian War. Detained by Serbian police on a Croatian warrant, Vucurevic faces charges of war crimes in Dubrovnik and persecution of civilians in Trebinje. The investigation includes forced mobilization and the death of Srdjan Aleksic, a Serb soldier killed for aiding a Bosniak civilian.

The arrest of Bozidar Vucurevic, a Bosnian Serb and former mayor of Trebinje, has sparked mixed reactions in Bosnia. While Bosniak politicians welcome the arrest, Bosnian Serb representatives, including Mladen Bosic and Milorad Dodik, condemn it, viewing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting Serbs. Vucurevic, accused of war crimes during the Croatian War of Independence, was detained on a Croatian warrant. His case is linked to the arrest of retired Bosnian general Jovan Divjak. The High Court in Sabac has placed Vucurevic in extradition detention, awaiting further documentation from Croatian authorities.

The extradition case of Bosnian General Jovan Divjak, arrested in Austria on a Serbian war crimes warrant, is mired in political controversy. Serbia has requested his extradition, while Bosnia's request appears delayed due to internal political struggles. Bosnia's Security Minister Sadik Ahmetovic and Ambassador to Austria Haris Hrle emphasize the political motives behind the arrest and express confidence in Austria's judicial process. Divjak's legal team plans to request his release, drawing parallels to the previously rejected extradition of Ejup Ganic. The case could impact regional bilateral relations.

Bosnia's football federation, NFSBiH, has been suspended by FIFA and UEFA for failing to adopt a required statute to change its management structure. This suspension means that Bosnian representative and club teams cannot participate in international competitions until the issue is resolved. FIFA and UEFA demanded the replacement of the three-member presidency with a single president by March 31. An international administrator is expected to be appointed to set up a new organization for Bosnian football. Speculations suggest Allan Hansen and Rudi Zavrl may lead the Normalization Committee. BH Fanaticos, supporters of Bosnia's national team, announced a protest in support of UEFA's emergency rule.