Opening of the Scientific Conference “Instrumentalization and Politicization of National Rights: The 'All-Serbian Gathering' Declaration as a Continuity of Irredentist Politics”
The University of Sarajevo Rectorate’s Ceremonial Hall hosted the opening of the scientific conference “Instrumentalization and Politicization of National Rights: The 'All-Serbian Gathering' Declaration as a Continuity of Irredentist Politics,” organized by the University of Sarajevo – Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law.
This Declaration epitomizes a continuum of Great Serbian ideology and policies that refuse to acknowledge the independence and sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The institutionalization of the concept of “Serbian World” aims at creating a homogeneous space through identity unification, where symbolic, cultural, and educational elements play a crucial role, along with the sectors of energy and transportation, in an effort to further homogenize the geographical space of Serbia and the smaller Bosnian-Herzegovinian entity of Republika Srpska.
Opening and welcoming addresses were delivered by University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, who stated: “Today’s scientific gathering, with its unambiguous title 'Instrumentalization and Politicization of National Rights: The 'All-Serbian Gathering' Declaration as a Continuity of Irredentist Politics', organized by the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law, holds particular substantive value. Your contributions today further highlight an exceptionally important and still pertinent topic that has marked the social reality of the Yugoslav space with an extraordinary burden over the past decades, which, regrettably, today manifestly demonstrates its objectives, reintroducing discontent into the complex realities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans without regard for the consequences of rhetoric and the weight of written words. Simultaneously, the character of today’s gathering clearly indicates that the role of the academic community must be proactive and unequivocally demonstrate our responsibility to contribute to the understanding and addressing of the unique challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina and our society through scientific analysis and research. By organizing today’s gathering, along with many others, and through our scientific research endeavors, we reaffirm the significant role of the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law at the University of Sarajevo in both scientific and broader social action.”
Dr. Muamer Džananović, Director of the Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law, in his opening remarks discussed the reasons for organizing the conference on this particular date and various aspects of the “All-Serbian Gathering” Declaration. He stated, among other things: “The 'All-Serbian Gathering' Declaration, which encompasses the common goals and activities of Serbia and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian entity of Republika Srpska—where RS acts as an autonomous subject in international matters—represents a grave blow to the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its status as an internationally recognized state. Ignoring the decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina poses an additional threat to the rule of law, destabilizing the legal framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such documents and their implementation not only undermine the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also jeopardize its sovereignty, thereby directly violating the foundations of the Dayton Peace Agreement and creating a serious legal challenge for the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community.”
Dr. Sc. Alija Kožljak, advisor to Presidency member Dr. Sc. Denis Bećirović, delivered the concluding remarks on his behalf, stating: “The 'All-Serbian Gathering' Declaration may initially appear as an act of national unity. However, it is evident that it contains elements reflective of the continuity of great power ambitions. Thus, it lays the groundwork for political pressures, territorial claims, and the crafting of narratives that can destabilize the entire region. Consequently, declarations like this reflect not only the past but also a continuity of great power ideas that have already led to genocide and other tragic consequences in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He further added: “In addition to analysis, a responsible approach from all those who work to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina is essential. The Declaration is not merely a destructive act; it is a dangerous programmatic document rooted in great power motives that threatens the Dayton Peace Agreement and the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This Declaration poses a threat to regional peace, independence, sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The speakers at the conference included Prof. Dr. Sead Turčalo, who discussed the geopolitical concept of the Serbian world; Prof. Dr. Šaćir Filandra, who addressed the topic of Serbian nationalism; and Mr. Sc. Iur. Harun Išerić, who concluded the introductory remarks by discussing the legal consequences and administrative practices within the entity of Republika Srpska.
Over thirty researchers will present their findings from various scientific segments at the conference, which will be published in a collection of proceedings.
Source: Univerzitet u Sarajevu - Institut za istraživanje zločina protiv čovječnosti i međunarodnog prava
