POLITICS HAS TOO MUCH SWAY OVER CULTURE, EDUCATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – UN EXPERT

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: UNNews <UNNews@un.org>
Date: 24 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400
Subject: POLITICS HAS TOO MUCH SWAY OVER CULTURE, EDUCATION IN BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA – UN EXPERT
To: news11@ny-mail-p-lb-028.ptc.un.org

POLITICS HAS TOO MUCH SWAY OVER CULTURE, EDUCATION IN BOSNIA AND
HERZEGOVINA – UN EXPERTNew York, May 24 2013 12:00PMAn independent
United Nations human rights expert today voiced concern at the extent
to which political bodies have influence over cultural institutions in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urged the Government to ensure that people
have opportunities to engage freely in cultural life.

"Culture and education seem to have been held hostage to political
debates," Farida Shaheed, the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of
cultural rights, said as she wrapped up her first mission to the
country.

"This has an immense detrimental effect on the artistic, cultural,
scientific and academic life in the country, and on the right of all
people, without discrimination, to enjoy their cultural rights and to
access their cultural heritage," she stated in a
<"http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13353&LangID=E">news
release.

Ms. Shaheed said one telling example is the current uncertainty
surrounding the fate of seven crucial cultural institutions in Bosnia
and Herzegovina, including the National Museum which closed its doors
last year.

"I am concerned by the extent to which political bodies have expanded
their influence over cultural institutions, whose independence should
be guaranteed in law as well as in practice," she said, noting that
there was frustration across the board during her visit that efforts
are being blocked at the level of senior decision-makers and
politicians.

The Special Rapporteur stressed that one worrying trend lies in
"over-emphasizing cultural differences, including linguistic
differences, to justify practices amounting to segregation of people
based on their ethno-national affiliation, in particular in the field
of education."

The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly divided
among three <i>constituent peoples</i>, or ethnic groups – Bosniaks,
Serbs and Croats.

She urged all levels of Government to maximize the opportunities for
people to engage in culture, sports, science and arts, and to have
access to "neutral spaces where politics and ethno-national
affiliations do not interfere."

"A dynamic, pluralistic and inclusive culture is central to
reconciliation and it is most certainly the way forward, in terms of
both peace and economic development for Bosnia and Herzegovina," said
the expert.

During the 12-day mission that concluded today, Ms. Shaheed met with a
wide range of actors Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Banja Luka, Brèko and
Srebrenica, and visited a number of monuments, memorials and museums.

Independent experts, or special rapporteurs, are appointed by the UN
Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation
or a specific human rights theme. They work in an unpaid capacity.
Ms. Shaheed will present her report at a forthcoming session of the
Council in Geneva.May 24 2013 12:00PM
________________
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

Follow us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UN.News.Centre) and
Twitter (http://twitter.com/UN_News_Centre)

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/


--
President of The United States
Guy Ralph Perea Sr President of The United States
Weatherdata1046am0426 a Discussion Group of
Weatherdata<http://groups.google.com/group/weatherdata1046am0426>
USFMSC
http://www.cityfreq.com/ca/avalon/>
QUALIFY QICP
OCCUPS
http://www.occupationalinfo.org/02/025062010.html
goldlandabstracts; link check
own search engine - The United
States International Policies
http://apps.facebook.com/faceblogged/?uid=1340855784
http://lnk.ms/8d5gl aol
http://groups.google.com/group/united-states-of-american
http://twitter.com/ptusss Federal Communication
Commission<http://columbiabroadcast.spaces.live.com/>

Ambassador Chevy Chase; Kevin Corcran; Jack Nickolas; Cher; Shirley Temple
Black; Liza Minnille; Ansari; Ernest Tascoe; Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Agent Jodie Foster; Department of Veterans Affairs Director George H.W. Bush
Title 22 USCS section 1928 (b) The e-mail
transmission may contain legally privileged information that
is intended only for the individual or entity recipient, you are hereby,
notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance upon the
contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this
E-mail transmission in error, please reply to the sender, so arrangements
can be made for proper delivery. Title 42
USCS section 192 etseq Margie Paxton Chief of Childrens Bureau
Director of The United States Department of Human Services; Defendant
Article IV General Provisions Section 2
(Supreme Law of The Land) The Constitution of The United States "Any thing
in The Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary Notwithstanding"
Contrary to Law (of an act or omission) illegal;
https://twitter.com/presidentus1