On the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, a public event titled “Circle that Includes” was held today in Sarajevo, aiming to draw attention to the issue of loneliness and the importance of social inclusion.
The event took place at Sarajevo City Center, bringing together young people with Down syndrome, their families, friends, high school students, as well as drama students who participated in a symbolic act of connection – representing the journey from loneliness to a sense of belonging and community.
This marks the nineteenth year of observing this day, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is among the countries that actively advocated for its adoption.
This year’s global theme is loneliness, an increasingly prominent issue in modern society, with a particularly strong impact on persons with Down syndrome.
The President of the Association “Life with Down Syndrome” of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevdija Kujović, said that loneliness has deeper consequences for this population, especially when it comes to mental health.
“The feeling of not belonging and low self-worth can undermine self-confidence and leave long-term consequences. These are emotions of sadness that negatively affect health, not only of persons with Down syndrome but society as a whole,” she emphasized.
As part of the programme, a one-hour performance was staged, symbolically portraying the path from exclusion to togetherness, while highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and support.
One of the participants in today’s performance, Kenan Kovačević, said that spending time with friends on this occasion was very meaningful and special for him.
Organizers invited citizens to contribute to reducing loneliness among persons with Down syndrome through small gestures such as conversation and social interaction.
“We are too fast and too formal; we don’t have time for one another. It is important to listen and to give others the space to be heard,” it was said during the event.
Organizers also pointed to the need for a systemic approach to addressing issues faced by persons with disabilities, particularly through the establishment of a unified database at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would enable the creation of policies based on real needs.
The association currently provides direct support to around 60 families in Sarajevo Canton, while at the level of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina it operates through cooperation with local organizations and a partner association in Mostar, as well as through the Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities.
It was emphasized at the event that solutions must be systemic, inclusive of all persons with disabilities, and based on a coordinated and long-term approach.
It is worth noting that the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/149 on December 19, 2011, declaring March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, which has been observed annually since 2012. The date (3/21) symbolically represents three copies of chromosome 21, which is characteristic of persons with Down syndrome.
