Conference Held and Handbook Launched on the Rights of Children Born of War

Conference Held and Handbook Launched on the Rights of Children Born of War

Sarajevo, February 17, 2025 – The Forgotten Children of War Association successfully hosted a conference to launch the Handbook on the Rights of Children Born of War: Challenges, Legal Framework, and Institutional Support. This significant event brought together key stakeholders from the fields of human rights, social protection, and civil society to raise awareness about the legal and institutional status of children born of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The handbook is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Forgotten Children of War Association and represents a crucial step toward institutional recognition and protection of this marginalized group. For years, children born of war have remained invisible in society, facing legal barriers, stigma, and marginalization. This publication provides practical guidance and legal procedures to support these children and their families in claiming their rights, while also serving as a valuable resource for institutions and civil society organizations.

The conference opened with remarks from Ajna Jusić, President of the Forgotten Children of War Association, and Alen Muhić, a member of the Association. They shared insights into the advocacy journey that led to this milestone – an achievement made possible through the active participation of survivors, both women and men, as well as the children born of war themselves. They reflected on the Association’s collaboration with institutions and the challenges and progress achieved over the years.

Key contributors to the handbook also addressed the audience:

• Adnan Kadribašić, the handbook’s Editor-in-Chief, emphasized the importance of legal protection for children born of war. He provided a historical overview of their long-standing invisibility and underscored the handbook’s role in advancing legal recognition. 
• Olja Beader presented the legal framework and procedures for obtaining status as a special category of civilian victims of war. She explained where and how these children can apply, what documentation is required, and the function of the Commission for Expert Opinion. 
• Filip Novaković discussed the individual rights of children born of war, presenting a catalog of entitlements and additional protective mechanisms.
• ● Merjem Muhadžić spoke about the challenges these children face, including social stigma and institutional barriers to legal implementation. She also shared recommendations for improving legal protections and institutional support.vosti ove kategorije i ističući važnost Priručnika u njihovom pravnom prepoznavanju.
• Olja Beader predstavila je zakonodavni okvir i postupak ostvarivanja statusa posebne kategorije civilnih žrtava rata, naglašavajući kome se ova djeca mogu obratiti, kako podnijeti zahtjev i koji su dokumenti potrebni. Također je istakla ulogu Komisije za davanje stručnog mišljenja.
• Filip Novaković govorio je o individualnim pravima djece rođene zbog rata, predstavljajući katalog prava i dodatne mehanizme zaštite.
• Merjem Muhadžić osvrnula se na izazove s kojima se suočavaju djeca rođena zbog rata, uključujući društvenu stigmatizaciju i institucionalne prepreke u implementaciji zakona. Također je predstavila preporuke za unapređenje pravne zaštite i institucionalne podrške.

In closing, speakers highlighted the importance of implementing the handbook’s recommendations to ensure adequate legal protection and broader societal recognition for children born of war.

The handbook offers a comprehensive overview across multiple thematic areas -from the global context of conflict-related sexual violence and legal procedures for obtaining civilian war victim status, to academic research and recommendations for legislative reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The full handbook is available at: https://zdr.ba/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025_11_02-Prirucnik-februar-final-digital-_compressed.pdf

This conference marks another important step toward a systemic response to this issue. The Forgotten Children of War Association remains committed to defending the rights of these individuals and calls on institutions and civil society to take further action.