Information published by the World Diaspora Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina concerning Great Britain’s supposed participation in the upcoming diaspora tournament is incorrect.
Our position on this matter has long been clear. Bosnia UK Network is one of the few organisations to have participated in all 19 previous diaspora tournaments. We therefore believe we have a responsibility to be clear and principled.
This year, we will not participate because we do not wish to lend legitimacy to Hasan Šehović and the small circle of people presenting themselves as the World Diaspora Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose activities currently offer no meaningful benefit to either the diaspora or our homeland.
We are not alone in this position. Attached is the statement from Italy, which was removed from the Association’s Facebook page. We believe that such censorship does not help resolve existing problems but instead deepens them. The Bosnian platform in the Netherlands may also issue a statement in the coming days, after its chair was inappropriately excluded from a meeting for asking questions.
Unfortunately, like many other activities of the World Diaspora Association, this event has been reduced to a minimum. It once brought together teams from across the world, including Australia, the United States, Canada and numerous European countries, providing a genuine opportunity for the diaspora to meet, connect and strengthen community ties.
For the first time in 19 years, this traditional sporting event did not take place at all last year.
It is also concerning that those who asked questions about this were excluded from discussions and meetings.
The young people for whom this initiative was originally established have long since ceased to be the priority. Instead, the focus has shifted to local officials.
The event must return to its founding values. This requires a new approach to leadership, including changes within the leadership team and sports committee—something that is difficult to envisage while the existing structures continue to perpetuate themselves.
