Bosnia-Herzegovina - Country profile

Church leaders and faithful have expressed concern about the radicalisation of Islam in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Reports suggest the country is a breeding ground for Islamist terrorists, alleging that more than 100,000 young Bosnian Muslims have been exposed to the extremist Wahabi vision of Islam through organisations such as Active Islamic Youth, Furqan and the Muslim Youth Council.

There are also claims that in officially registered Muslim camps selected young men learn marksmanship and explosives training. (Source: Ioannis Michaletos, An outlook of radical Islamism in Bosnia)

Church leaders including Cardinal Vinko Puljic, Archbishop of Sarajevo, have complained of inadequate protection against harassment of Christians and vandalism of churches. In October 2010, Cardinal Puljic told Aid to the Church in Need his cathedral had been attacked by vandals – a common occurence.

In January 2012, the Cardinal told Aid to the Church in Need that the rise of radical Islam, funded by petro-dollars from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, was going unchallenged by the government. Read more

While some sources reported a decline in violence against Christians, others revealed attacks on churches – both Orthodox and Catholic – remain a serious problem. In Sarajevo and elsewhere, the Catholic Church reported huge difficulties obtaining permission to build new churches despite increasing numbers of faithful.

Ethnic identity and religion often blur into one, and discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity remains a serious problem, especially against non-Serbs in the country’s predominantly Serb region, against non-Croats in western Herzegovina, and against non-Bosniaks in central Bosnia. In some regions, discrimination gives way to violence and other forms of abuse.

Ethnic cleansing during the 1992-95 Balkans war caused widespread displacement and led to the population being segregated into separate areas. Although internal borders have reopened, many – including a number of Catholics – have been reluctant to return to their former homes, which often lack water and electricity.

Leaders of religious minorities continue to complain about discrimination by local government officials, with some Christian denominations facing difficulties using their own properties for religious purposes.

Key projects

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  Rebuilding the Church in a war-ravaged land

  During the Balkans war, countless churches were deliberately destroyed. Catholics – who are mostly of Croat origin – have found it very hard to re-establish the life of the Church, so that many are now leaving the country. Your kindness is helping to rebuild a church in the parish of St Peter and St Paul in Tuzla in the north-east, giving a stronger sense of security to the local Catholics.
  Make a donation

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  A new church in the parish of Saint John the Baptist

  Another church you are helping to rebuild is the church of Saint John the Baptist in Stjepan Krst. Parish priest Father Damjan says: "We are not looking to build a grand church; we only need a simple space where the community can assemble together again and heal their physical and spiritual wounds through the word and grace of God".
  Make a donation

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  Repairs to the Carmelite convent in Sarajevo

  The convent of the Carmelite Sisters in Sarajevo was destroyed during the 1990s Balkans war. Recently rebuilt, it is a place of prayer, contemplation and peaceful reflection for the 13 nuns and the local community. Unfortunately, due to structural damage, the basement recently flooded. Thanks to your generosity, repairs have been made and this essential space is once again at the service of the nuns.
  Make a donation

Last updated: 23/01/2012