International Organisation Resource

School names, symbols and manifestations at primary and secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A status update with recommendations

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) - Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina • 2021

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Individual Resource

Levels and forms of education

Primary Education

Lower Secondary Education

Upper Secondary Education

Post Secondary Education

Museum Memorials and Exhibitions

Other Levels and Forms of Education

Resource type

Reports

Historic approaches concerned

Other Approaches

Historic period

1990-2000

Countries or areas concerned

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Southeastern Europe, Europe

Languages

Bosnian, Croatian, English, Serbian

Description

This report examines school names, symbols, and manifestations at schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings highlight that exclusionary components within the education system persist. The report emphasises that while curricula and textbooks play a direct role in shaping what students learn, school names, symbols, and manifestations contribute to divisive and one-sided policies, promoting ethnic exclusivity rather than a sense of affiliation to a broader community. While some progress was initially made in addressing controversial issues, the report highlights concerning trends, including increased politicisation, war-related memorials on school property, and a lack of adherence to inclusivity principles. The report calls for a renewed commitment to inclusive education, urging education authorities, political officials, and decision-makers to revisit by-laws governing school names, symbols, and manifestations.

Keywords

Bosna i Hercegovina

Босна и Херцеговина

conflict

education for peace

OSCE

Balkans

memorials

remembrance

commemoration

memory