Present Activities

The IRC is still functioning today. It assists in many troublesome situations and prevents potential conflicts. They now deal with the return of refugees and displaced persons, religious freedoms, inter religious cooperation, general problems of reconstructing the country, restoration of religious buildings and sites that were destroyed in war, and the promotion of reconciliation on different levels. The IRC is currently developing a network of young adults who are actively participating in different training, and projects in bringing communities together.

The IRC also participates in parliamentary discussions, and in various inter-faith events around the world. For them dialogue does not have an alternative, and the hatred must be discouraged in the media and in political life. In spite of crimes and atrocities done in recent past, their stand is that reconciliation is God’s commandment and must be cherished. Justice must be accomplished through the legal system and courts must prosecute the war criminals.

In the light of what is happening in the world today, having so many acts of terrorism done in the name of religion, the IRC acted in preventing this by preaching of need to embrace, respect and know more about the other. That is the way to change attitudes and avoid so called “Clash of Civilizations”.

In spite of many unresolved issues, the formation of the IRC illustrates that Bosnia can again be a place that exemplifies co-habitation, mutual respect, and understanding of different traditions, religions and ethnicities. �

Prepared by Vjekoslav Saje Conflict Resolution Facilitator

Vjekoslav Saje (Vjeko) is a Bosnian expert in conflict resolution, peacemaking and interfaith work who has studied at Harvard Law School and spoken across the world. He is a co-founder of the Inter-Religious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina.