Rich history of Czech national minority in BiH presented in the EU Info Centre
The EU Info Centre and the Association of the Czech origin in BiH “Češka beseda” from Sarajevo organised a cultural evening of the Czech National Minority in BiH on the occasion of the 20th anni...
The EU Info Centre and the Association of the Czech origin in BiH “Češka beseda” from Sarajevo organised a cultural evening of the Czech National Minority in BiH on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Association, on 5th October at the EU Info Centre.
Addressing the audience, Head of Political and Economic Section at the EU Delegation in BiH, Jan Snaidauf pointed out that European Union pays great attention to promoting the rights of national minorities.
‘‘It is not by coincidence that the EU describes itself as ‘united in diversity’. Consequently, combating discrimination and promoting integration are among our top policy priorities inside the EU, as well in relations with the neighbouring countries and worldwide. That of course includes Bosnia and Herzegovina. And, again, the case Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly important and symbolic, given the recent history”, Snaidauf said.
He has also noted the current developments in BiH emphasising the need to amend the state Law on Protection of National Minorities in order to align the current law with the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. “All of us should continue calling on those in positions of authority and responsibility to defend the human rights of minorities as well as all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina”, Snaidauf concluded.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jakub Skalnik, spoke of the long history of Czech’s organisations and associations in Bosnia and Herzegovina starting from the second half of the 19th century.
‘’The Embassy of the Czech Republic welcomes the commitment that the Czechs in BiH show in the preservation of their culture and tradition. They are a great example of how to be proud of one’s origin, but also tolerant and friendly to all other people’’, said Ambassador Skalnik.
The rich cultural evening included a screening of the Czech film ‘Awakened Puppets’, musical performance of traditional Czech songs and an exhibition representing the retrospective of the Association’s work and activities from its foundation onwards.
The exhibition will be open in the premises of the EU Info Centre, (address: Skenderija 3a, Sarajevo) until 19th October, on working days from 09:30 to 17:30 hrs.
‘’Češka beseda’’ is a non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental association of citizens of the Czech origin in BiH, established in order to preserve the Czech cultural heritage on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, mainly the Czech language, and maintain links with the mother country – the Czech Republic, as well as to strengthen relations between the two countries through cultural, scientific, artistic, economic, sports and any other cooperation. The Association “Češka beseda” celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2016.
