A/HRC/22/49/Add.1
implemented, including school catchment and enrolment policies that promote
integration. National consultations should be held towards establishing a single,
harmonized and ethnically and religiously neutral State curriculum for all schools.
Where the two-schools-under-one-roof system exists, steps to achieve administrative
and classroom integration should be based upon dialogue and confidence-building
across communities.
Returnee communities
102. Seventeen years after the war, attention to returnees is fading and communities
are struggling to become fully viable. Considerable efforts were made by national
authorities and the international community to facilitate the return of many displaced
persons. Nevertheless, substantial additional efforts and resources are required to
fully implement annex 7 to the Dayton Agreement. The Independent Expert urges the
full implementation of the 2010 revised strategy for the implementation of annex 7
and highlights the continuing role of the international community, and urges
international donors to continue to provide funding to support sustainable returns.
103. The challenges facing those who remained in or have returned to their pre-war
homes are manifested in physical, social, economic and psychological difficulties,
exclusion and discrimination. Special attention must be paid by all responsible
authorities to the rights and needs of such potentially vulnerable, isolated and
marginalized communities. Attention must also be given to the needs of Roma and
other non-constituent peoples with legitimate claims to property and reconstruction
whose needs have sometimes been overlooked.
104. Evidence indicates that numerous cases of alleged war crimes perpetrated
against civilians have not come before the courts, and consequently victims, who are
often minorities and returnees, have not received the financial or psychological
support they may require or are entitled to. Outstanding cases should be brought to
completion without further delay. No undue restrictions or administrative barriers
should be imposed on individuals seeking to claim their rights and allowances as
―civilian victims‖ in their places of residence, and laws should be harmonized in
favour of victims.
105. Responsible authorities should put in place comprehensive long-term strategies
for the improvement and sustainability of returnee communities in compliance with
annex 7. Strategies should include key support for economic opportunities,
infrastructure projects, enjoyment of cultural life, and social cohesion and inclusion.
Returnee communities should be assisted to integrate into wider society, and
discrimination, including in employment and service provision, must be rigorously
addressed in compliance with non-discrimination laws.
106. Minorities have the right to freely and peacefully associate and assemble and
this must be respected in practice. No undue obstacles or restrictions should be
imposed, including for constituent peoples and minorities in all localities who wish to
peacefully protest or commemorate dates or events significant to them while fully
respecting relevant laws relating to peaceful assembly.
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