International Conference “International Justice in an Age of Crisis” Held in Sarajevo

An international conference titled “International Justice in an Age of Crisis” was held today at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This prominent event, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the International Summer School Sarajevo (ISSS), was organized by the “Pravnik” Association, the Faculty of Law at the University of Sarajevo, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) for Southeast Europe.

During the opening session, the audience was addressed by the Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdić, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Elmedin Konaković, and the Program Manager of the “Pravnik” Association, Adnan Kadribašić.

Mayor Avdić emphasized the historical role of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the importance of preserving the truth:

“The ICTY, established by United Nations Resolution 827, marked the end of impunity for serious violations of international humanitarian law in the former Yugoslavia. Throughout its operation, this tribunal rendered historically vital verdicts for our country, permanently sealing the truth about the Srebrenica genocide and the siege of Sarajevo,” stated Mayor Avdić.

Speaking about the phenomenon of Sarajevo’s defiance during the longest siege in the heart of modern Europe, the Mayor drew a powerful parallel between cultural and academic resistance. He recalled that the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), which still unites the world today, was born from the collective voice of artists during the war.

“Just as the SFF has been preserving the truth through art for decades, this conference today represents the continuation of that fight through law, science, and education. Knowledge and transitional justice are the only correct path toward lasting peace and facing the past,” Avdić message conveyed.

During the conference, the participants were addressed via video messages by Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

Throughout the day, presentations were also delivered by Hasan Bakirci from the European Court of Human Rights, Monika Hauser on behalf of the organization Medica Mondiale, as well as numerous experts and alumni from around the world. Through panel discussions, they analysed topics ranging from Nuremberg to The Hague, geopolitical disinformation, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of human rights.

In conclusion, Mayor Avdić extended special gratitude for organizing the conference to long-standing partners from the “Pravnik” Association, Mr. Škrijelj and Mr. Kadribašić, who recognized the City of Sarajevo, through its ICTY Information Center, as a key partner in preserving the truth, transitional justice, and educating future generations.