OPEN LETTER

to MIJO BRAJKOVIĆ

Mr. Mijo Brajkovic
Aluminij d.d. Mostar

 

Dear Mr. Brajković,

I am writing to express my concern about unfair dismissals of people from Aluminij from 1992 onwards, during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the continuing failure to provide them with redress and reparation. Ongoing ethnic discrimination poses serious obstacles to the sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

The right to work without discrimination is enshrined in international standards and treaties, in the Dayton Agreement and in domestic legislation. In the workplace, this can only be effectively achieved through comprehensive anti-discriminatory policies and practice. I therefore strongly urge you to:

 - fully and actively engage in efforts to find a permanent solution guaranteeing the rights of former workers who were unfairly dismissed on ethnic grounds during the war, including reinstatement or adequate compensation, and pension rights.

 - ensure equality of opportunity and working conditions in Aluminij, as provided for in national legislation and the UN Norms for Business; to eliminate discrimination in employment on any grounds; and to ensure that the right to work without discrimination is fully respected.

Best regards.

Srđan Dizdarević
President of the BH HCHR

No.: 12-01/2006

Sarajevo, January 27, 2006