Newsroom
OSCE Croatia Mission concerned about influx of families from Bosnia and Herzegovina
ZAGREB 18 March 2002
ZAGREB, 18 March 2002 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Croatia, Ambassador Peter Semneby, today expressed his concern regarding the situation arising in parts of Croatia caused by an influx of families that were temporarily accommodated in Drvar in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
"This influx may put additional strain on the housing and employment situation in the areas of special state concern in Croatia", Mr. Semneby said. "The repossession of property by persons who were displaced from those areas must not be jeopardized as a result of the new arrivals."
"We understand that the situation for many of those who had to vacate their apartments is difficult. However, the BiH property laws, just like those in Croatia, require temporary occupants to vacate properties that are reclaimed by the original owners", Mr. Semneby added. "We are in contact with Croatian authorities and international organizations both in Croatia and in BiH to find solutions which accord with Croatian and Bosnian laws. In particular, it is important to establish which of the arriving persons, if any, are entitled to alternative accommodation in BiH."
Mr. Semneby also said that the situation demonstrated the need for a consistent approach for refugee return and property repossession between Governments in the region.
The Head of the OSCE Mission recalled that under BiH law, if a temporary occupant has sufficient income or access to pre-conflict residence, such a person is not entitled to alternative accommodation in BiH, and therefore will be subject to eviction without the authorities providing alternative accommodation. Likewise, if temporary occupants fail to claim their property in BiH, they are also not entitled to alternative accommodation. A significant number of those occupying property in Drvar may have received financial assistance to reconstruct their property in BiH. A number of families who are choosing to go to Croatia may already have received housing assistance.
"This influx may put additional strain on the housing and employment situation in the areas of special state concern in Croatia", Mr. Semneby said. "The repossession of property by persons who were displaced from those areas must not be jeopardized as a result of the new arrivals."
"We understand that the situation for many of those who had to vacate their apartments is difficult. However, the BiH property laws, just like those in Croatia, require temporary occupants to vacate properties that are reclaimed by the original owners", Mr. Semneby added. "We are in contact with Croatian authorities and international organizations both in Croatia and in BiH to find solutions which accord with Croatian and Bosnian laws. In particular, it is important to establish which of the arriving persons, if any, are entitled to alternative accommodation in BiH."
Mr. Semneby also said that the situation demonstrated the need for a consistent approach for refugee return and property repossession between Governments in the region.
The Head of the OSCE Mission recalled that under BiH law, if a temporary occupant has sufficient income or access to pre-conflict residence, such a person is not entitled to alternative accommodation in BiH, and therefore will be subject to eviction without the authorities providing alternative accommodation. Likewise, if temporary occupants fail to claim their property in BiH, they are also not entitled to alternative accommodation. A significant number of those occupying property in Drvar may have received financial assistance to reconstruct their property in BiH. A number of families who are choosing to go to Croatia may already have received housing assistance.