The Congress of Bosniaks of North America (CBNA) welcomes President Biden’s amendments to Executive Order 14033 expanding sanctions to combat corruption, human rights abuses, and destabilizing actions in the Western Balkans. This action reinforces the United States’ leadership in promoting justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights in a region still grappling with the legacies of war and genocide.
President Biden’s directive targets individuals and entities that threaten peace and stability, undermine democratic institutions, and perpetuate corruption. These measures are critical in addressing the erosion of the rule of law and the ongoing challenges faced by citizens, particularly the Bosniaks, who have been subjected to systemic discrimination and human rights abuses since the end of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Corruption and Genocide Denial: A Threat to Stability
Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to suffer from rampant corruption that weakens its institutions, jeopardizes its sovereignty, and undermines public trust. Furthermore, the denial of the Srebrenica genocide retraumatizes survivors and threatens the fragile peace established by the Dayton Accords. These actions violate fundamental human rights, undermine the Dayton Peace Accords, and represent a significant obstacle to progress and reconciliation.
Genocide Denial Must Be Addressed
CBNA also calls on the U.S. government and the international community to sanction individuals and organizations engaged in genocide denial. Denying the genocide of Srebrenica is not only an attack on historical truth but also a violation of human rights and dignity. Such rhetoric perpetuates divisions, emboldens perpetrators of hate, and undermines the healing process for survivors and their families. Sanctions against genocide deniers are essential to ensuring accountability and preserving the memory of the war crimes committed during the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Call to Action
CBNA calls on the international community to follow the United States’ example by implementing similar measures against those complicit in destabilizing the Western Balkans. Now is the time for unified global action to uphold human rights, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure accountability for those who prioritize personal and political gain over the dignity and rights of all citizens.