Participant Guide
The following guide contains important information, rules of conduct and recommendations for all participants of the Peace March.
Code of Conduct
All accredited participants of the march must adhere to the code of conduct to ensure better organisation and greater safety. Please observe the following:
- Only accredited persons may participate in the march
- Participants who join later must register with the group leader for accreditation
- Instructions from the team leader must be followed in all situations
- Strictly follow the designated, marked route
- Maintain visual contact with group members
- Request medical assistance only from accredited medical teams
- Breaks and rest stops only at the team leader's discretion
- Attendance at designated overnight points is mandatory
- Attendance at roll call at overnight points is mandatory
- Switch off all radios and mobile phones in adverse weather conditions
- Disposing of rubbish outside designated areas is prohibited
- Observe warning signs for unexploded ordnance and mines: "DANGER – MINES!"
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind are strictly prohibited
- Exercise caution when using lighters and smoking – fire hazard!
- Any movement at night outside designated points is prohibited
- Report every incident to the team leader and follow their instructions
- Behave with dignity and discipline in every situation
- Participants wishing to leave the march must report to the group leader
- Non-compliance with this code may result in exclusion
Recommendations for Participants
The Peace March is a trek that challenges body and mind. The volunteer team of the Red Cross of Tuzla Canton has compiled the following recommendations:
- Bring sunscreen with a high SPF and apply it to all body parts exposed to the sun (head, hands, etc.)
- Wear head covering (cap, hat, scarf or similar)
- Bring enough cotton underwear for changing – preferably boxer shorts to reduce friction and chafing
- Bring a sufficient number of socks, preferably woollen ones, which should be changed frequently to reduce blistering
- Comfortable footwear also reduces the risk of blisters
- Bring sufficient water and drink regularly to avoid dehydration
- Ensure adequate salt intake (eat more tomatoes, bananas and other seasonal fruit and vegetables)
- A multivitamin supplement is recommended, preferably effervescent tablets, dissolved in water during breaks
- Bring one or two first aid bandages and a pack of plasters
- Bring enough cotton T-shirts for changing – wet clothing increases the risk of catching a cold
- Bring a waterproof rain poncho to protect the entire body in case of rainfall
- Do not participate in shorts – unless woollen socks or gaiters up to the knee are worn (protection from wet grass, ticks, snake bites)
- Watch out for tick bites – if you find a tick, seek professional medical help; do not remove it yourself!
- Use insect repellent (sprays or creams against mosquitoes)
- Do not consume alcohol during the march!
- Adjust walking speed in the column to the least trained walker
- Always rest when you feel the need
- Use walking sticks, especially persons with joint and bone problems (spondylosis, arthritis)
- In case of pain behind the breastbone, seek medical help IMMEDIATELY!
- For all first aid interventions, turn to the Red Cross volunteers accompanying the column
- Persons with chronic diseases and under constant medical treatment should obtain prior approval from their doctor and stay close to the mobile medical teams at all times!
- Emergency medical teams accompany the column and should be contacted for any medical emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the participation fee for the Peace March?
Participation in the Peace March is free of charge. Reports from individual participants about demands for financial contributions from local representatives are based on the inability of the organised group or municipality to finance transport and logistics themselves. These contributions are not a requirement of the Sub-Committee for the organisation of the Peace March.
Will luggage transport to overnight points be organised?
Trucks from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina will transport your luggage to three designated points. You bear personal responsibility for any damage to or theft of valuable technical or other items.
Will I have enough food and water?
Participants will be supplied with drinking water via mobile tankers at overnight points and at stage stops with shorter breaks. It is recommended to bring some small change to purchase refreshments from shops in the villages through which the march column passes.
Is photography permitted?
As long as you do not violate the privacy of others and do not cause any disturbance, you are permitted to take an unlimited number of photographs at any location.
Do minors need an accompanying person?
Minor participants represent a critical category. They are required – unless directly accompanied by a parent or guardian – to join an organised group and follow the group leader's instructions regarding behaviour, interaction with other participants, the pace of individual stages, and the treatment of historical and sacred sites such as mass graves or the cemetery of the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Centre.
May persons with chronic illnesses participate?
Persons with chronic illnesses are advised to obtain approval from their treating physician. It is not advisable to endanger one's own health. There are many other ways to contribute to the remembrance of victims and show solidarity.