Ajna Jusic, Alen Muhic, and Lejla Damon, survivors of war-related sexual violence, receive the Human Rights Award from the University of Oslo on December 5. Their organization, “Forgotten Children of War,” champions the rights and dignity of children born from war, striving for legal recognition in Bosnia and Herzegovina and raising global awareness of their plight. Muhic emphasizes the importance of identity and dignity in their fight for recognition.
In a poignant recognition of courage and resilience, Ajna Jusic, Alen Muhic, and Lejla Damon, all born of sexual violence during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tumultuous war, have been honored with the prestigious Human Rights Award from the University of Oslo. Set to be awarded on December 5 in Norway’s capital, this accolade is a beacon for their ongoing struggle through the organization “Forgotten Children of War,” dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of war-affected children. Alen Muhic from Gorazde notes that the award underscores not just their personal journeys but the broader narrative of countless others in BiH, their efforts emerging from shadows to light in a society where such stories are often silenced. Founded in 2016, their organization stands as the first of its kind, emphasizing the dire legal protections and recognition needed for children born of wartime atrocities. Muhic passionately asserts that this honor reinforces their pursuit for acknowledgment and civil rights for those impacted by war crimes. “Our association is the first of its kind in BiH and the only one in the world… These awards highlight our fight for identity and dignity,” he states, showcasing the importance of their mission against societal stigmatization, which hampers the recognition of their needs. While progress has been made within the Brcko District, where some rights are granted to these children, the battle for acknowledgement in larger entities like Republika Srpska continues. Despite being marginalized in their homeland, their voices resound in international spheres, echoing in cities like Bern and Birmingham, as they strive for justice and visibility. Ultimately, receiving the Human Rights Award symbolizes not only individual victories but a collective call to ensure that the narrative of every child born amid conflict is told, heard, and met with compassion and justice.
The award presented by the University of Oslo, granted through the Lisl and Leo Eitinger Foundation since 1984, honors exceptional personal endeavors in the field of human rights advocacy globally. Ajna Jusic, Alen Muhic, and Lejla Damon’s recognition highlights the plight of children born from war, specifically targeting the stigma and lack of legal recognition they face in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This acknowledgment aims to champion the rights and dignity of these marginalized individuals, connecting their struggles to broader humanitarian efforts worldwide.
The honor of receiving the Human Rights Award highlights the collective experience of Ajna Jusic, Alen Muhic, and Lejla Damon. It brings to the forefront the urgent need for legal protection and recognition of children born out of wartime sexual violence. Their ongoing efforts through the “Forgotten Children of War” organization embody a vital step towards restoring dignity and identity to those often left voiceless in the aftermath of conflict, offering hope for a future where their stories are acknowledged and respected.
Original Source: sarajevotimes.com
