Ending the refugee crisis in the former Yugoslavia inflicted upon its peoples by war and ethnic cleansing has been one of the outstanding objectives and unresolved goals of several peace and related agreements including the Dayton Accords. If evaluated on the basis of the commitments regarding refugee return and reversing the consequences of ethnic cleansing/genocide, the Dayton Agreements would have to be judged a failure. Declaration was signed by ministers of foreign affairs of 4 countries in Belgrade yesterday. The UN’s refugee agency today welcomed a joint declaration by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia to expedite the search for solutions for 74,000 remaining refugees from the Balkans conflict of the 1990s. “It has come about through intense efforts by the four countries and is a firm commitment on the part of their respective governments to cooperate at regional and national level in dealing with an enduring problem for this part of Europe,” said Mr. Adrian Edwards. On behalf of UNHCR. Step Toward European Union? UNHCR believes the fulfillment of these commitments will also support the accession of these countries to the European Union. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres attended yesterday’s ministerial meeting and witnessed the signing of the declaration, along with the representatives of the European Union, United States, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. The declaration envisages accelerated provision of civil documentation allowing refugees and returnees to fully enjoy their rights and resume normal lives. It also includes a regional program, which will be presented to donors at a conference early next year to seek international support for housing solutions for refugees in collective centers and other vulnerable people, including former tenancy-rights holders. UNHCR is also working with the national authorities on the development of asylum systems and practices that are in line with international and EU standards. What About Refugees Who are Effectively Prevented by Fear & Discrimination from Return? According to the UNHCR: “The majority of the refugees have returned to their homes over the past 16 years or have integrated in host communities.” However, this is a misleading analysis as large numbers of refugees/displaced persons never returned to the original homes from where most have been ethnically cleansed. Continuing ethnic-defined policies in education, employment and elections continue to discriminate and/or discourage refugees in returning to their homes where they may find themselves now suddenly defined in context of minority. The problem is especially acute in Bosnia & Herzegovina and particularly the ethnically defined “Serb Republika.” Frequently fear and those responsible for ethnic cleansing still holding positions of authority and the rule of law being set aside. (This Film Report also from the UN conveys a different perspective – “Bosnia Rape Victim Healing?” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/bosnia-rape-victim-healing/28794). It is my opinion until this ethnic delineation is remedied the reintegration of the country will be at best partial, the rule of law will suffer and EU integration will be largely a mirage. (See AMBASSADOR MUHAMED SACIRBEY Speak at COLUMBIA University’s HARRIMAN INSTITUTE – 5 parts - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/dayton-vision-v-european-perspective-talk-at-harriman-inst-sacirbey-4-of-5-parts/24379). By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook - Become a Fan at “BosniaTV” & Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX Related Reports at “Bosnia Channel” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/bosnia