Srebrenica's shattered economy
Locals in Srebrenica, trying to rebuild the region's shaky economy, often recall the town's past as a popular tourist spot. Nowadays, the legacy of the Bosnian War means the only visitors are journalists and aid workers, and young people leave the area in droves in the search of a better life.
Before 1995, the small town of Srebrenica was a successful tourist destination and spa resort. Visitors came to take the mineral waters and go hunting and fishing in the nearby countryside, buoying up the local economy in the process.
All that changed with the Bosnian War and the bloody events that made the town known worldwide, for the most tragic of reasons.
In a grim way there is still a high season - in July as reporters and dignitaries flood in to mark the anniversary of the Srebrenica Massacre. But the difference is that now all the remaining months of the year are low season, says the owner of the town's last remaining hotel, Avdo Purkovic.
The 1992-95 war wreaked havoc on Bosnia's economy. Like other towns, Srebrenica's industry and infrastructure were destroyed and the population decimated. The town then suffered a further blow when it missed out on the millions of dollars in reconstruction aid pouring into the country because the local Serb authorities refused to allow refugees to return until 1999.
Although residents find ways to eke out a living, the process of rebuilding the local economy is going too slowly for many. Corruption, an over-reliance on aid and the lack of political will to change the situation push many young people to leave the town in search of better opportunities elsewhere.
Mr Purkovic knows these frustrations all too well. "When I talk to older people they say you know in 15 years, 20 years, it'll be OK. I'm 24 now, I don't want to wait 20 years, because I'll be old and good for nothing. I want it now," he says.
For more of Cintia Taylor's reports from Srebrenica 15 years after the massacre see:
Srebrenica 15 years on: A special roundtable debate
Bosnia's unfinished business - No justice for Srebrenica




