Bosnia and Herzegovina: Statement During Briefing

Thank you, Mr President,

I wish you a successful month as President of the Security Council, and congratulate Vietnam for its successful leadership in April.

I thank High Representative Valentin Inzko for his briefing.

Kenya commends the office of the High Representative for its efforts to seek progress on the five objectives and two conditions which remain the basis for the attainment of the long-term stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We call on the authorities to work together in order to make progress on these five objectives and conditions as well as ensuring full compliance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace (GFAP).

Kenya notes the joint statement by the tripartite Presidency to mark the 25th anniversary of the initialling of the General Framework Agreement for Peace.

We urge them to undertake tangible action to fulfil its commitment to respect the provisions of the Agreement and the Constitution, and to creating a society inclusive of all its peoples and citizens.

Kenya believes these are the minimum requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina to chart its own way to a stable functioning democracy. And that unity of purpose, especially at the leadership levels, is critical to laying a firm foundation for successful governance.

We strongly urge Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities to avoid any actions that may divide the people along ethnic or religious lines. An attempt to do so will risk the peace that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve.

Kenya insists that any resistance to inclusion and respect for diversity among leaders, particularly in a post-conflict multi-ethnic country, endangers the peace.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has been subject to violent conflict to the extent of demanding the intervention of the International Community, and this Security Council, any statements or policies by leaders that embrace separation and ethnic nationalism must be closely watched and responded to robustly in order to prevent renewed conflict.

Like many countries across the world, Bosnia and Herzegovina is grappling with the continuing negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is a common challenge that calls for unified efforts to control.

However, it is regrettable that political differences have stood on the way of a unified and coordinated pandemic response action. Kenya urges all leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to put aside their differences and work together.

In conclusion, Kenya urges the authorities to strengthen their counter terrorism strategies. These should include undertaking more efforts to prepare the legal and disengagement capabilities to handle repatriated and returning fighters who had traveled abroad to fight for ISIS.

There should also be an operationalisation of a robust terrorism prevention strategy that finds inspiration in the UN Counter Terrorism Strategy and the Secretary General's Plan of Action to Counter Violent Extremism.

Kenya also encourages collaboration among the parties to create an environment conducive to the return of refugees and displaced persons to their homes of origin including through the ending of divisive rhetoric and the glorification of war criminals.

I thank you.