Date: August 16, 1994
Author: Valentina Krčmar, Director, Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter)
Addressed to: Mr. Svend Robinson, Member of Parliament, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario
View the Original Letter: krcmar book 2_Part147_Part6.pdf
About This Letter
On August 16, 1994, Valentina Krčmar, writing on behalf of Mothers for Peace (Bedem Ljubavi), addressed Member of Parliament Svend Robinson, appealing for his help in raising awareness and political support for Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina within the Canadian Parliament. The letter is a compelling blend of moral plea, factual account, and personal testimony — reflecting both deep frustration and enduring faith in human decency.
Krčmar begins by thanking Robinson for his willingness to listen, describing how Mothers for Peace was founded at the outbreak of war in 1991:
“Our organization was formed in 1991 at the onset of aggression against Croatia. All our members are Canadians of Croatian and Bosnian descent. We found our new home here; however, we can’t forget our homeland, especially when it is bleeding.”
She describes the organization’s tireless advocacy to inform government officials, humanitarian agencies, and the media — often met, she says, with silence or indifference:
“Our work is hard, very frustrating, because the walls are constantly in front of us. We have done everything possible to inform individuals, organizations, and government about the ongoing horror in Croatia and Bosnia. The answer was, in many instances, silence or non-action.”
Krčmar then lists five key points she hopes Robinson will address in Parliament and with relevant ministries:
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Government Bias and Media Influence – She criticizes the reliance of Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and major media outlets on pro-Yugoslav or Serbian sources, especially the CBC, which she accuses of spreading misinformation that damaged the image of Croatian Canadians.
“Public opinion was — due to uninformed or maliciously informed sources — stacked against the real victims of the aggression in the Balkans, until the truth became much too obvious.”
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Humanitarian Aid Distribution – She condemns the equal treatment of aggressors and victims, which she believes rewarded Serbian forces and undermined justice.
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Ignored Warnings – Krčmar recounts how Mothers for Peace provided the government with documentation of atrocities, including concentration and rape camps, but their warnings went unheeded:
“Although the previous government was duly informed about the events with proper documentation, they decided not to act… Many people died whose lives could have been saved were we listened to.”
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Lack of Representation in Croatia and Bosnia – She notes that Canada maintained a fully staffed embassy in Belgrade, while assigning only one part-time official in Zagreb and none in Bosnia, leaving victims without access to aid or protection.
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Peacekeeper Conduct and Training – Krčmar raises concerns about the pro-Serbian leanings of Canadian peacekeepers, claiming that briefings routinely framed Serbia as the side “trying to keep Yugoslavia together.” She includes previous letters as evidence of recurring misconduct.
The letter then turns personal, revealing the emotional toll of being disbelieved and marginalized within Canada:
“As soon as we call the newspapers, we are called biased. No one listens to our pleas, but the outright lies and half-truths are printed or shown on our TV or radios every day… Mr. Robinson, our families in Croatia and Bosnia are the victims, not the aggressors. We are victims here — our people here feel isolated, angered, and very bitter.”
Krčmar encloses several supporting documents and requests an in-person meeting:
“Although there are quite a few documents, it is important that you see for yourself what is really happening so that you can perhaps raise your voice in the House of Commons… We really need to talk to you. Please let us know when you would have some time to see us.”
This letter reflects the dual mission of Mothers for Peace: to advocate for truth abroad while defending the dignity of their community at home. It captures Valentina Krčmar’s ability to bridge diplomacy and moral appeal, holding both government and media accountable for their complicity in the world’s silence.
