Letter to A. W. Bijeveld, Special Emissary of the UNHCR to the former Yugoslavia, Geneva (Prot. no. 753/95 dated 1 November 1995)

THE SITUATION IS DIFFICULT AND UNBEARABLE

Most respected Mr Bijeveld!

I heard that you were currently in Belgrade, so I take this opportunity to appeal to you to listen to us here in Banja Luka. We are not unfamiliar with you nor vice versa. Your personal involvement and the efforts of the entire UNHCR, for which you are responsible in this particular region, has enabled many people in this region to somehow survive. We once again sincerely thank you for this.

1. The situation which is currently faced by many people is quite difficult and uncertain. Many refugees in this region are in need of appropriate assistance just to survive.

2. In addition to this, many non-Serbs - the local population - are still exposed to violence and terror. They are being evicted from their homes every day, without any chance to take any belongings with them nor do they know where they are going! The majority of those sacral buildings still remaining have been put at the disposal of Serbian refugees (Serbian authorities have also forcefully confiscating many other buildings from which they have evicted priests and nuns; unfortunately, many more sacral buildings have been destroyed). In the remaining two buildings - a convent and a monastery - and the Bishop's Ordinary itself we wish to house non-Serbs; we do, however, require some assurance of security from the local authorities.

In order that we be in a position to offer material help to these refugees, we urgently need assistance from international humanitarian organisations in food, clothing and hygienic articles. A special problem is posed by heating: there is no fuel, wood, or coal for heating. If we do not manage to supply these commodities, the winter will be all the harder for these people to survive as the majority of the people remaining are elderly folk. Your help therefore is all the more needed, as the activities of our diocesan Caritas have been limited or rather prohibited by the local authorities.

As such I would ask that while you consider our completely uncertain and dramatic circumstances, you find the appropriate solutions for us here.

Once again I would ask that you primarily assist us in reinstating our human rights, including minority rights, above all the right to life, to a home, a homeland, the right to free movement, the right to health and welfare care etc.

You are already aware that we have been extremely peaceful in these regions towards our neighbours and rather adamant to remain here, so that we can contribute towards establishing a peaceful coexistence. We justly expect your support and help for this purpose.

Please accept our sincere gratitude for all that you have done until now.

My personal regards and respects,

Dr. Franjo Komarica,
Bishop of Banja Luka

Next: I BEG YOU TO USE YOUR INFLUENCE TO HAVE ALL DETAINEES RELEASED!