UNDP: HOW TO CHANGE THINGS IN BOSNIA?

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (27.September,2007) – The Bosnian citizens are burdened with many problems and contradictions. One of the most prominent is the contradiction in statements made about the personal life and situation in the country. A survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), entitled “Voice of a Silent majority in Bosnia” showed this contradiction.

The survey, conducted by the Oxford research house on behalf of the UNDP, states that almost all of the interviewed Bosnian citizens are quite satisfied with the private life.

Some of the interesting points made in the study were presented in Sarajevo at a debate entitled “Changing Things in Bosnia: Social Research and Democratic Changes”. The goal of the study was to emphasize the basis of a possible consensus on Bosnia's future.

Prof. Anthony Heath, who is in a visit to the UNDP BOSNIA, analyzed some of the findings made in the study.

Professor Heath stated that the research emphasized some of the priorities that need to be solved,primarily the Bosnian economic development and solving the unemployment issues.

The study shows that 62 per cent of the Bosnian citizens under 30 want to leave the country because of unemployment.Corruption is also one of the biggest problems for the citizens. They see association to the EU a long-term solution for Bosnia.

Only seven per cent of people interviewed are of the opinion that others can be trusted.Almost 9 out of 10 citizens stated to be the citizens of Bosnia. 14 per cent of them have an exclusive identity.

Membership to the EU and the EU’s help to Bosnia is something the Bosnian citizens see as helpful in creating the future of the country.