Key Takeaways:
- Jasmina Joldić, a Bosnian refugee, shares her story of fleeing her homeland and settling in Australia, highlighting the importance of social cohesion and the dangers of escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric.
- The Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian war, are reassessed 30 years on, with Joldić and diplomat Ian Kemish acknowledging both the achievements and limitations of the agreement.
- Joldić emphasizes the need for responsibility in maintaining social cohesion, citing her own experiences as a migrant and the importance of protecting the peace and prosperity that Australia enjoys.
- The article explores the complexities of identity, community, and belonging, as Joldić navigates her Bosnian heritage and her life in Australia.
- The conversation highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion.
Introduction to Jasmina Joldić’s Story
Jasmina Joldić was just nine years old when her life changed forever. Her father, Enver, was taken away by armed men, and her mother, Selma, struggled to explain the situation to Jasmina and her older sister, Amela. It was then that Jasmina learned she was born into a Muslim family, and the labels that would define her identity would also put an end to her idyllic childhood. The family’s life was turned upside down as they navigated the complexities of war, identity, and belonging.
The War and Its Aftermath
The events of that day 33 years ago forced the Joldić family to flee their homeland and embark on a journey that would take them to Brisbane’s southern suburbs. Jasmina’s father was taken to a concentration camp, and the family was left to grapple with the trauma and uncertainty of their situation. The war in Bosnia was a brutal and devastating conflict that introduced the term "ethnic cleansing" to the English language, resulting in the deaths of over 8,000 Muslim men at Srebrenica. Jasmina vividly remembers watching the news with her family in a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin, seeing the images of Bosnian Serb forces advancing on the besieged city.
The Dayton Accords: A Complex Legacy
The Dayton Accords, signed in 1995, brought an end to the Bosnian war, but the agreement’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. The accords split the nation into two entities, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, with a complicated power-sharing agreement that has been criticized for freezing the frontiers and leaving nationalists in power. Jasmina and diplomat Ian Kemish, who experienced the war from different perspectives, have reassessed the accords 30 years on, acknowledging both the achievements and limitations of the agreement. While the accords stopped the killing and bloodshed, they also created a fragile peace that remains vulnerable to tensions and flare-ups.
A New Home in Australia
Jasmina and her family eventually settled in Brisbane’s southern suburbs, where they put down roots and built a new life. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture, Jasmina has become a successful public servant, rising to become the director general of Queensland’s department of justice and attorney general. She is now the higher education deputy secretary in the federal government, using her experiences to inform her work and advocate for social cohesion. Jasmina’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of migrants, who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to enrich Australian society.
The Importance of Social Cohesion
As Jasmina reflects on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of social cohesion and the need for responsibility in maintaining it. She warns that escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric can quickly escalate into something more sinister, citing her own experiences as a migrant and the dangers of taking social cohesion for granted. Jasmina’s message is one of hope and inclusivity, highlighting the importance of understanding and empathy in breaking down barriers and promoting social cohesion. As she says, "We have a responsibility, as a nation, not to take social cohesion for granted… Cohesion is everyone’s responsibility."
