Sarajevo, October 22, 2001

CRPC holds another plenary session and adopts more than 8,000 decisions confirming property rights of refugees and displaced persons

In accordance with the Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement all refugees and displaced persons have the right to return freely to their homes of origin. To that end they also have the right to have restored to them property of which they were deprived in the course of the hostilities.

Under Dayton the Commission for Real Property Claims of Displaced Persons and Refugees (CRPC) was established to assist refugees and displaced persons in realizing the aforementioned rights.

During the five years of its existence the CRPC has collected claims for repossession of 303,707 properties, and adopted 184,510 decisions, lawful throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The enforcement of CRPC decisions is however the responsibility of domestic bodies, which are unfortunately failing to meet their obligations under domestic laws and Dayton Peace Agreement.

It should not be forgotten that the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced persons is the responsibility of all, not merely of a few. By continuing to obstruct the return process and violating property rights the economic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina is being stifled. And who is to benefit from such a state of affairs---certainly not the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Commission for Real Property Claims of Displaced Persons and Refugees is determined to fulfill its mandate to its to the best of abilities. Its efforts are being supported by international organizations (OHR, OSCE, UNHCR, UNMIBH), human rights institutions (Ombudsmen offices, Human Rights Chamber) and foreign governments bilaterally or collectively through the European Union.