Ajna Jusic, Alen Muhic, and Lejla Damon, all born as a result of wartime sexual violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), have received the Human Rights Award from the University of Oslo.
They represent the Association “Forgotten Children of War,” through which they advocate for the rights, dignity, and legal protection of children born of war and work to raise global awareness of their unique challenges.
The award committee emphasized that the winners contribute to a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by children born of wartime rape.
“Forgotten Children of War and their courageous representatives can contribute to the necessary research and development of knowledge, which is essential for improving response mechanisms for children born of war at an international level. In a world with many ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, and the Sahel, the voices of these young people are more important than ever,” the award committee stated.
Jusic says they did not expect the award but are pleased that the significance of the Association’s struggle has been recognized internationally, especially in a time of ongoing armed conflicts worldwide.
“We live in an era where wars are occurring all over the world. I believe our fight will serve as an example and positive practice for other countries,” Jusic stated.
She recalls that BiH is the first country to legally recognize children born of wartime rape as a category of civilian war victims.
“I hope this award will serve as a reminder of our country’s responsibility to implement the Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War, given that its implementation is not proceeding well,” Jusic added.
The Federation of BiH’s (FBiH) Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War was adopted in August last year, recognizing victims of wartime sexual violence and children born from such acts as a distinct category of war victims.
Organizers note that the award recipients use various means to convey their message. The Association has organized theater performances, and exhibitions, and led campaigns for legislative changes.
“Ajna and her colleagues have advocated for children born of war to gain legal recognition equal to that of other civilians who were war victims, regardless of the father’s identity. Such a legal framework can be extended to other countries, offering hope for recognition and rights to children born of current wars,” the organizers said.
Jusic, Muhic, and Damon will receive the award on December 5th, 2024, in Oslo, Detektor writes.
E.Dz.
