July 11, 2005 — World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz on Monday joined local and international officials, and more than 50,000 citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to pay respects to the 8,000 victims of the Srebrenica massacre during the war which took place ten years ago.
"We're here today for many reasons," said Wolfowitz in his address at the commemoration ceremony, "but most of all to remember and honor the victims of the worst act of genocide in Europe since World War II. Equally, we are here to console the survivors and to commit ourselves to do everything we can to help them to rebuild shattered lives."
Wolfowitz has visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, and specifically Srebrenica, several times over the last few years.
Working toward a brighter future
After the war, numerous international organizations provided support for reconstruction of houses and other projects in the Srebrenica region, hoping to facilitate the return of refugees.
While several country-wide reconstruction projects financed by the World Bank benefited Srebrenica and its people, the World Bank also funded activities in and around Srebrenica. These include the rehabilitation of the water pipeline to the Potocari reservoir and a pumping station at Bratunac, reconstruction of an apartment building, and rebuilding of a local road and youth center.
Despite help from many sources, Srebrenica remains a poor town. With few jobs available locally, the pace of return by Bosniak refugees is slow while many Bosnian Serb residents have left.
"We are also here to express our hopes that all citizens of this country will use this opportunity not only to reflect on the past but to commit to building a brighter future," said Wolfowitz in his address. "I am proud that the World Bank has been able to participate in building a better future for this country and I appeal to everyone here today to stand together to make the dreams of this young generation a reality."
Since 1996 Bosnia and Herzegovina has made economic and social progress. Much of the infrastructure has been restored, GDP has trebled, absolute poverty has been eradicated, exports are up tenfold, private investment is on the rise, and many difficult reforms have been initiated.
In the past 12 months Bosnia and Herzegovina has continued to make progress, but significant structural challenges still lie ahead (see Bosnia & Herzegovina's Transformation, Success and Remaining Challenges ). The World Bank has committed more than $65 million in new resources in FY05. The total portfolio under implementation now stands at 19 projects valued at $37 million.
Meetings with authorities, youth in Sarajevo
Earlier, on Sunday evening, Paul Wolfowitz met with Bosnia and Herzegovina Premier Adnan Terzic, as well as representatives of local youth groups.
"I have three more exams, but where will I go? There are no jobs for young people," one of the youth representatives told Wolfowitz as the group walked through the Sarajevo old town, Bascarsija. Due to the weak education system and high unemployment rate, many young people still think of leaving the country, the youth representatives informed Wolfowitz.
"I have returned because my family has its roots here," another youth said. "And I am optimistic about the future; otherwise I would not be here."
Members of the World Bank's Youth Voices Group in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who also attended the meeting with Wolfowitz, said they are using the Youth Voices as a tool to improve the situation for youth through fresh, new ideas about education reform, anti-HIV/AIDS activities, national youth policy and the environment.
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