The promotion of the book “I am Alen”, an autobiographical novel by Alen Muhić – human rights activist and member of the Association Forgotten Children of War – was held last night at the Bosnian cultural center Sarajevo. The event, attended by a full house, unfolded in a deeply emotional atmosphere filled with a special, positive energy.
The promoters – psychologist and employee of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy Esma Palić, president of the Association Forgotten Children of War Ajna Jusić, law professor Ermin Kuka, and Bosnian actor Almir Omerović – together with moderator Emela Burdžović, emphasized that “I Am Alen” is not a book about hatred or anger, but a work that speaks about love, family, and the values each person chooses in life. They particularly highlighted that the book promotes the idea that love is a choice, as well as acceptance – of oneself and of others.
The book as testimony and a message to generations
Alen Muhić was born in 1993 in the wartime hospital of Goražde, after his mother was raped and expelled from Foča. In the book, he describes his childhood, personal traumas, and the courage with which he fights for human rights, especially the rights of children and women who survived wartime sexual violence.
It was precisely because of Alen’s courage that the United Nations adopted a resolution recognizing rape in war as a war crime, second in severity only to genocide.
“This book is not about condemnation, hatred, or division. It is a testimony and a call to build a society free of stigma, for the benefit of future generations,” the author emphasized. At the end of the evening, Muhić expressed his gratitude to his father Muharem Muhić, stressing that without the love and support of his parents and sisters, he would not be the person he is today.
The role of Foundation Second
Foundation Second was part of this major Sarajevo promotion, providing transportation for 50 students from Ćamil Sijarić Elementary School in Dobrinja, where the Foundation is also based. In this way, students from 5th to 9th grade had the opportunity to attend an event that promotes truth, human rights, and the fight against stigma.
The director of Foundation Second, Belma Mujezinović, who attended the promotion, stated:
“Foundation Second wants to enable young people to learn from experiences like this. The strength of a community is reflected precisely in supporting children and young people to grow while understanding the truth and the values that shape a better society.”
The organizers of the promotion were the Federal ministry of labor and social policy, the Association Forgotten children of war, and the author Alen Muhić, in cooperation with the Bosnian cultural center Sarajevo.
