The Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) is honored to announce a new publication: “Breaking the Silence – My Story as a Survivor from the Bosnian War” by Mirsada Tursunović.
Mirsada was 18 years old when the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina reached her hometown. During the conflict, she was captured and experienced sexual violence, which left deep scars and forced her into years of silence.
After the war, Mirsada struggled with trauma while trying to rebuild her life and raise a family. For a long time, she did not know that speaking about her experience was possible or that support existed for survivors like her.
In 2009, she was officially recognized as a civilian victim of war and connected with survivor organizations, marking a turning point in her healing. Through this support, she found the strength to break the silence and speak publicly about conflict-related sexual violence.
Today, Mirsada is an activist advocating for the rights and dignity of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. As a member of GTY, she contributes her experience to global peacebuilding efforts aimed at addressing the stigma faced by youth associated with non-state armed groups.
“Let no victim ever be forgotten, and may it inspire us to work together toward building a world without WAR, VIOLENCE, OR SUFFERING.”
This is an excerpt from “Breaking the Silence – My Story as a Survivor from the Bosnian War.” Mirsada’s voice reminds us that no one affected by conflict should ever be overlooked, and that they are people with whom we must walk together in building peace.
Read the full article here: https://gt4y.org/publication/breaking-the-silence-my-story-as-a-survivor-from-the-bosnian-war/
