Stories about Bosnia Herzegovina
One of the last Ladino language speakers in Bosnia, Moris Albahari, passed away
Ladino or Judeo-Spanish is an endangered Romance language derived from Old Spanish, used by around 60,000 Sephardic Jews living in the Israel, Turkey, the Balkans, North Africa, and other former parts of Ottoman Empire.
Croatia’s push for controversial electoral reform undermines democratic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croat extremists also scored what at first appeared to be another diplomatic victory in early August, as the Israeli embassy in Tirana, Albania (which is also responsible for BiH) came out in favor of “electoral reforms.”
Tunnel of Hope: A means of survival during the Sarajevo Siege
In an effort to survive and communicate with the outside world during the nearly four-year long siege (1992–1996), Sarajevo residents dug a tunnel in the yard of the Kolar family.
A Bosnian perspective on the US fight for reproductive rights
Bosnia and Herzegovina's recent history of forced pregnancy in the context of genocidal rape has set this Balkan nation on a track to protect the right to choose one’s own reproductive destiny.
Croatian LGBTQ+ college student association normalizes differences at Zagreb Law Faculty
In less than two years, Croatian gay–straight alliance student association ZA-Pravo has gained the attention of LGBTQ+ students and the general public by creating a safe space for all.
Illegal wildlife poisoning depletes Balkan biodiversity, yet only 1% of cases reach court
A recent study shows that the illegal use of poisoning to target "undesirable" animals continues to go unnoticed and unpunished in the Balkans, even though it depletes biodiversity and threatens public health.
Bosnia and Herzegovina diaspora: A vague perception of home and homeland
Balkan Diskurs survey indicates that Bosnians living abroad express conflicting feelings, from an idealized picture of positive aspects of the old homeland, to repeated disappointment with the reality of political and economic status quo.
The Western Balkans will need unity and cooperation across society to overcome press freedom challenges
Independent media in the Western Balkans face disinformation campaigns, hate speech, physical attacks, threats, low income, poor economic status, divisions, self-censorship and job insecurity.
Yugoslav monuments: Forgotten places of resistance and memory
Before the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia broke up, there were countless sites erected to honor the victims of the Second World War. These monuments are largely in disrepair now.
Domestic nationalists and meddling from neighbors keep undermining Bosnian statehood
The international community is willing to give Croatian and Serbian nationalist strongmen in Bosnia everything they ask for in order to keep the situation from “escalating.”
Sarajevo Stands with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people
Bosnians expressed empathy for the suffering people of Ukraine, based on their still fresh memories of their own suffering during the 1990s war, including the 3-year long siege of Sarajevo.
Violence against women has been promoted in the Balkans through pop music for 40 years
An artist stirred controversy with her documentary film “Violence against women in domestic songs” where she examines violence against women portrayed through turbo-folk, pop, rap, and hip-hop songs.
Ex-Yugoslav music fans mourn the death of Macedonian-Croatian rock star Aki Rahimovski
The career of the lead singer of the Zagreb-based rock band Parni Valjak spanned almost five decades, starting in 1975.
‘I didn't ask for it!': Four women fighting against gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The spontaneous decision to host a page where women would anonymously share their experiences of sexual assault and harassment has received a response far beyond anything the activists expected.
How new generations are reinventing antifascism in Bosnia and Herzegovina
"How can we truly recognize manifestations of fascism and antifascism in societies that are free from direct physical conflict, where the definition of the 'other side' is becoming progressively more blurry ... ?"
Invisible scars result from patriarchal tolerance of gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Due to the deep-rooted patriarchal structure of society in Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic violence is often perceived as a corrective measure of the strong over the weak family members.
Combatting stereotypes: The need to recognize male victims of wartime sexual violence in Bosnia
According to testimony, the systematic scope and nature of conflict-related sexual violence against men demonstrate that it was an instrument of ethnic cleansing through the destruction of families and communities.
Socializing with extremists and ‘hoaxers': Tennis star Novak Djokovic's controversial visit to Bosnia
"This is not the first time Djokovic has caused controversy by endorsing deeply problematic Serb nationalist figures."
Critical thinking is crucial to progressive art: Bosnian musicologist Amila Ramović
Amila Ramović, assistant professor at the department of music theory and pedagogy at the Music Academy of the University of Sarajevo, talks about critical thinking through art.
An investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s future: Compensating survivors of wartime sexual violence
"Whether because of physical disability, psychological trauma or community stigmatization, many survivors face barriers to earning a living, which, unfortunately, may lead to a permanent reduction in their quality of life."
Supporting witnesses: First step towards ending impunity for war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
"What is often overlooked is the most important precursor to ending impunity: a secure environment in which survivors can testify, free from intimidation, severe retraumatization, and threats of physical harm."