URGENT UPDATE: Two prominent NGOs have just announced a demand for the immediate termination of the contract between the Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance of Montenegro and the controversial “Vilina Vlas” rehabilitation center, located near Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative, led by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) and the Association for Social Research and Communication (UDIK), highlights serious ethical concerns regarding the center’s dark historical past.
In a joint statement released earlier today, these organizations emphasize that “Vilina Vlas” was a notorious site of imprisonment, torture, and systematic sexual violence against non-Serb individuals during the Bosnian War, specifically in 1992. They point out that around 200 women were sexually assaulted in this facility, with many victims subsequently killed or driven to suicide. This grim legacy raises significant ethical questions about its current use as a rehabilitation center, especially for vulnerable populations like pensioners.
The NGOs criticize the ongoing promotion of “Vilina Vlas” as a rehabilitation and holiday destination, arguing that it exhibits a blatant disregard for the victims of war crimes. They assert that many guests today remain unaware that they are staying in a location where mass rapes and murders were committed just three decades ago. As stated in their press release, the lack of memorials or information about these atrocities perpetuates a culture of denial and normalization of such crimes.
Background Context: According to a 1994 report by a special United Nations Committee, “Vilina Vlas” was effectively transformed into a women’s concentration camp where women and girls were subjected to severe abuse. Despite the gravity of these accusations, only one perpetrator, Željko Lelek, has been prosecuted and sentenced to 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity associated with the center.
The CGO and UDIK stress that the Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance, as a public institution, must consider the ethical implications of its partnerships. They argue that directing pensioners—many of whom may be survivors of war traumas or relatives of victims—to a site symbolizing systemic sexual violence is unacceptable. This practice could be interpreted as tacit approval of revisionism and the denial of historical atrocities.
The organizations urge the Fund to act responsibly and terminate its contract with “Vilina Vlas.” They advocate for establishing clear criteria for future partnerships that honor the dignity of war crime victims and confront the legacy of the past.
The call to action is even more pressing as the issue has gained renewed attention in Montenegro, prompting discussions in various media outlets. Ending this contract would send a powerful message that Montenegro rejects the normalization of crime scenes disguised as tourist attractions.
Next Steps: Watch for updates on how the Fund for Pension and Disability Insurance responds to this urgent request. Both CGO and UDIK are seeking immediate action, emphasizing that respect for victims should be paramount in any rehabilitation efforts.
This developing situation sheds light on the ongoing struggle for justice and memory in post-war societies. The NGOs call on the public to share their message widely, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging history while fostering a responsible and empathetic future.
