The Civic Alliance and the Association "Štrpci - against oblivion" welcomed the decision of the Bijelo Polje Municipal Assembly to establish the "Tomo Buzov" award.
In a statement sent to the media, they reminded the public that in February this year, the Civic Alliance and the Association "Štrpci - against forgetting" sent the Municipality of Bijelo Polje an initiative to establish the "Tomo Buzov" award for special contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.
"The award will be presented every year, on February 27th - the anniversary of the kidnapping of passengers from a train in Štrpci, as an act of remembrance and respect for the victims of this crime. At the same time, this date will be an opportunity to recognize those who today, guided by the same values of humanity and justice, advocate for a more tolerant society. The award will be presented to individuals and organizations working in the field of human rights protection.
"The name of Toma Buzov, after whom the award is named, is a permanent reminder that even in moments of war madness, there are those who are ready to steadfastly defy evil and indifference," the statement said.
As a retired JNA officer, the statement added, Buzov was killed in a kidnapping in Štrpci on February 27, 1993, because he tried to protect Bosniak civilians who were being forcibly taken off a train by members of the Army of Republika Srpska.
"It is particularly significant that this award was established by the Municipality from which a large number of the victims of the kidnapping in Štrpci originate, which demonstrates the willingness of local authorities to foster values that represent the foundation of building a just society through concrete and lasting institutional practice.
"We are convinced that the 'Tomo Buzov' award, as an example of responsible local politics, will serve as an inspiration to other communities to foster a culture of remembrance, as well as the values of solidarity and respect for human rights," the statement concludes.
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