From Bosnia to Brisbane: Jasmina Joldic's Journey and Reflections on Peace

Jasmina Joldic, a former child refugee from Bosnia, reflects on her traumatic childhood and the impact of the Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian War 30 years ago. Born in July 1992, Joldic's life was irrevocably altered when her father was taken by armed men during the conflict, forcing her family to flee their homeland and eventually settle in Brisbane, Australia. Now a prominent bureaucrat, Joldic's experiences shape her views on the fragility of social cohesion and the dangers of escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric.

The Guardian

The Bosnian War, which erupted in the early 1990s, was characterized by ethnic conflict among Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosniaks, and Catholic Croats. The Dayton Accords, signed in December 1995, aimed to establish peace but resulted in a divided nation, creating Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Joldic describes this peace as an "ugly peace," where ethnic divisions were institutionalized, leaving a legacy of tension that persists today.

The Guardian

Joldic, now 43, has built a successful career in public service, currently serving as the higher education deputy secretary in the federal government. Her friend, Ian Kemish, a former Australian diplomat, shares his experiences from the war-torn Balkans, emphasizing the complexities of achieving lasting peace. Both Joldic and Kemish grapple with the implications of their pasts as they navigate their lives in Australia.

The Guardian

Joldic expresses concern over the increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric in Australia and globally, which she believes can lead to societal destruction. She warns that the "demonising" of others can escalate quickly, reflecting on her own experiences of trauma and the importance of social cohesion. Kemish echoes this sentiment, noting that while peace has been maintained militarily for 30 years, the political solutions remain elusive.

The Guardian

Joldic emphasizes the responsibility of Australians to protect social cohesion, stating, "We have a responsibility, as a nation, not to take social cohesion for granted." She advocates for recognizing the contributions of migrants to Australian society, both culturally and economically, particularly during a time of rising tensions surrounding immigration.

The Guardian

• “I know where that leads – it can destroy a society.” — Jasmina Joldic, Higher Education Deputy Secretary

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• “While ending the killing is the imperative, the political solution can be elusive.” — Ian Kemish, Former Australian Diplomat

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• “It can happen quickly and it can escalate and it can escalate horribly wrong. Cohesion is everyone’s responsibility.” — Jasmina Joldic, Higher Education Deputy Secretary

The Guardian

As the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Accords approaches, Joldic and Kemish continue to engage in discussions about the implications of their shared history. They aim to foster understanding and awareness of the complexities surrounding migration and the importance of maintaining peace in diverse societies.

The Guardian