The non-resident ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Syria, based in Jordan, Slavko Matanović, told Fena news agency that, according to the latest data, there are a total of 94 Bosnian and Herzegovina citizens in Syria, including women, children and minors.
“They are accommodated in various camps and centers – Roj camp: 18 families, including 47 children and 18 women; Al-Hol camp: one family (four children and one woman); Orkish Rehabilitation Centre: three minors (identified according to the ICRC report),” said Ambassador Matanović.
He added that the majority of BiH citizens are facing inhumane conditions, including limited access to basic needs, medical assistance and psychosocial support.
Asked about the information that one family had expressed a desire to evacuate, Ambassador Matanović replied that the information about the request for the family’s evacuation came from communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH.
“According to this information, the request was submitted directly to the Ministry, and the Embassy was informed about it indirectly. It concerns a Bosnian citizen, his wife (a Syrian citizen) and their three children, two of whom have Bosnian citizenship. We are currently working on verifying the documentation and organizing the return,” said Ambassador Matanović.
He explained that the return process includes: verifying identity and collecting the necessary documentation; cooperating with international organizations such as the ICRC and UNICEF, and organizing transport and ensuring a reintegration program upon arrival in BiH.
Ambassador Matanović stated that diplomatic relations with the Syrian Arab Republic formally exist, but are facing challenges.
“In 2023, the BiH Embassy in Amman sent a verbal note to the Syrian Embassy in Amman requesting an agreement for non-resident coverage of Syria. Although we received confirmation that the request had been received, we never received an official response. The previous ambassador had similar difficulties, which significantly complicates communication with the authorities in Syria,” said Ambassador Matanović, adding that the Embassy remains committed to providing assistance to our citizens and informing the public about further steps, Fena writes.
