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06.05.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
Who H.E. Christina Markus Lassen, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN
When 06.05.2025

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

I would like to thank the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Christian Schmidt, for his latest report and participation today.

I would also like to welcome at today’s meeting the Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Madame Cvijanović, as well as representatives of Croatia, Serbia and the European Union.


Mr. President, as we have heard several times today, 2025 marks 30 years since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement that ended the horrific war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dayton laid out the foundation for peace, stability and progress.

This year’s anniversary should be seized to reflect on past achievements and to look forward on how to accelerate progress.

 

Unfortunately, in recent months we have witnessed a significant rise of tensions stemming from rhetoric and actions by Republika Srpska entity authorities, and the unfolding of a political and constitutional crisis.

Denmark is deeply concerned about these developments.

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Mr. President,

 

All actors must ensure full compliance with and implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, as well as respect the independence of the judiciary.

 

We are deeply concerned about recent months’ secessionist rhetoric and actions taken in Republika Srpska under the leadership of Mr. Dodik. These actions run counter to the Dayton Agreement. We condemn these actions as they pose a clear threat to the constitutional framework and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These actions threaten the functioning of central institutions which is key for stability and progress.

 

Such actions are not only provocative, but also dangerous as they risk jeopardizing the stability in the broader region.

Denmark remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as a single and united country with its multi-ethnic character.

It should be clear; the Dayton Agreement does not give the right to entities to secede. Any such attempts are thus completely unacceptable.

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Mr. President,

 

Upholding the Dayton Agreement also means safeguarding the institutions deriving from it. These institutions and mechanisms have ensured stability and progress for the past three decades.

 

Denmark fully supports the work and efforts of the High Representative and his office, whose role and decisions must be respected in order to implement the civilian part of the peace agreement.

 As we have heard, the High Representative has been legitimately appointed by the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council in accordance with established procedure.

 

We look forward to the day when international supervision is no longer needed. We are not there yet.

 

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Mr. President,

 

The security situation currently remains calm. We commend EUFOR Althea for its presence and vital role in upholding peace and ensuring a safe environment.

 

We urge all actors to refrain from any provocative rhetoric or actions that could escalate tensions.

 

Focus should be on what unites and benefits the citizens of the country. Among these are the aspiration of joining the European Union. An aspiration shared by all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Denmark too is committed to this.

 

We therefore encourage leaders to step up the pace of reforms and make use of the opportunity granted by the March 2024 decision to open EU accession negotiations, once the conditions have been met.

 

We regret recent actions that run counter to these efforts, including shrinking the space for civil society organizations, media and opposition politicians in Republika Srpska.


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Before ending, I would like to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, where approximately 8,000 men and boys were systematically murdered.


The 30-year anniversary is coming up in only two months.


We - the international community - have a shared responsibility to preserve the memory of these atrocities to ensure that we learn from them, so it never happens again.

 

The 30-year anniversary should be used to promote reconciliation and reaffirm our commitment to truth and justice.

Denmark stands with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they work to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous country.

 

Thank you.