Statehood Day is celebrated annually on November 25 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This significant date marks the adoption of the “Resolution of ZAVNOBiH” in 1943 during the first session of the State Anti-fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in Mrkonjić Grad.
The resolution proclaimed Bosnia and Herzegovina as a united and indivisible republic with its historic borders, ensuring full equality among all nationalities. It also established Bosnia and Herzegovina as an equal constituent in the Yugoslav federation. This milestone reinforced the country’s statehood and was pivotal in affirming its political identity during and after World War II.
However, the recognition of Statehood Day is divided in contemporary Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is observed only in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity, while the Republika Srpska entity does not officially recognize it.
This day differs from Independence Day, celebrated on March 1, which commemorates the 1992 referendum leading to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.
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images: Sarajevo ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska communications-unlimited.nl
Author: Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is an award-winning international journalist, TV correspondent, author, editor-in-chief of an international journalism center, the Central and Eastern Europe Center, president of the European Institute on Communist Oppression and a sworn translator. She has graduated from the American Culture Studies and journalism. She was born in Warsaw, Poland, and also has Armenian heritage and roots in Lviv, Ukraine.
