Good afternoon to you all and thank you for coming. Let me first express my sincere gratitude to the Government for hosting my official visit. We have been following the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina very closely. This visit has provided an important opportunity to discuss an array of human rights issues, and challenges, that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with its institutions, civil society and other actors, have been grappling with for nearly three decades. This has been the first visit by a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since Mary Robinson’s trip here in 1998. Some of the same human rights challenges persist today. The scars from the 1992-95 conflict are deep. The memories are still painful. But after my visit, I am convinced that there is a will and determination among many to achieve a society where all citizens, across the country, can enjoy peace and be treated equally, with respect and dignity. During my time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I met with the chair of the Presidency, Sefik Dzaferovic, the Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, parliamentarians, the Human Rights Ombudsmen Institution, members of the Constitutional Court, the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council, and the State Prosecutor of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I met with the High Representative and other representatives of the international community. I also met with families of victims of the conflict and various civil society actors working on issues ranging from peacebuilding, reconciliation, transitional justice, anti-corruption, the rights of women, people with disabilities, LGBTI and migrants. Most of the people I have met have expressed concerned about persistent discrimination based on various grounds, primarily based on ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. This affects civil and political rights, including electoral rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights. From a divided, segregated education system, to access to employment linked to political affiliation, patronage or loyalty, to unequal social protection depending on the place where ones resides, to marginalization still faced by many people who returned to their place of origin after the conflict, Roma communities, and people with disabilities. Bosnia and Herzegovina has legislation prohibiting discrimination and it is essential that it is applied across the country and by all institutions so that all forms of discrimination are effectively eliminated. The active engagement of political leaders in building an inclusive society is essential for its future. During my visit, I met with some spirited and courageous civil society actors who highlighted some of the difficulties they face in doing their work, concerns about protection of civic space, including online and offline threats faced by journalists who investigate corruption or challenge the dominant political narratives. There is real concern for the youth, particularly as the fragmented education system, with different curricular and textbooks, has entrenched divisions and distrust among communities. Children should not be forced to travel long distances out of fear that their local school is unwelcoming and unsafe. Education is for all, and children must not become political pawns. One of the most moving experiences during the four-day mission was my visit to the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial complex where some 8,000 men and boys fell victim to the crime of genocide. There I paid homage to the victims, survivors and families of those killed, and met with a mother who shared her story of losing her husband and 16-year-old son. Her husband’s remains were recovered from a mass grave, but her young son is still missing. She told me she lives with the pain every single day, but she will never give up hope of one day finding his remains and finally laying him to rest next to his father. She told me of the determination of the Srebrenica mothers to continue their fight to ensure the genocide will never be forgotten. We both shed tears. I share her hope that one day she will find her son’s remains, and, that we must never forget the tragedy of Srebrenica. Today, some 7,000 people who were disappeared during the war are still unaccounted for as a result of the large scale atrocities committed across the country. Some of the main architects responsible for the war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, have been tried and now face spending the rest of their lives in a jail cell. But many perpetrators, including those accused of sexual violence, still remain unpunished and are walking free in Bosnia and Herzegovina or other countries. It is my hope that justice will be served on them too. With the passage of time, some may never be identified, and therefore it remains vitally important to vigorously pursue domestic criminal prosecutions, for all crimes committed during the conflict; that those found guilty are duly sentenced. It is important that countries in the region step up their cooperation in this regard.  Individual accountability through independent justice mechanisms is fundamental to avoiding and overcoming collective guilt. This is why war crimes trials are so important as elements of truth-seeking and to foster reconciliation. It is only when a country has fully come to terms with its past that it can move forward. I am a medical doctor, and over the past few days in my discussions here I have used the metaphor “that a wound can only heal once it has been cleaned, and cleaned thoroughly”. I have been assured that prosecutors are continuing their search for war criminals, for missing persons, and I have urged them to carry on in their pursuit of accountability in a manner consistent with applicable international standards. Little progress has been made in the area of reparations for all victims of atrocities. A key element of the healing process is to ensure that the victims and the families of the victims are provided remedies. There has been no comprehensive programme for civilian victims of torture, including former camp detainees and survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, and for families of missing persons. Reparations have been insufficient. I was informed about cases where perpetrators are obliged to provide compensation but they do not as they do not have any assets or hide them. Thus, a reparation scheme is necessary and new legislation is needed. A fund should be established to provide compensation for victims. Similarly, the fund for the families of missing persons should be created. I am particularly concerned to hear that courts across Bosnia and Herzegovina have denied wartime survivors’ claims for compensation by imposing statutes of limitations. Some of those who have sought justice have had to pay exorbitant court fees if their civil claims fail, which has resulted in a situation in which victims are punished financially and re-traumatised for seeking justice. This practice must be urgently ended.     It is the responsibility of the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure accountability for past crimes, to provide reparation for survivors and families of all victims, and to lead and support healing and reconciliation. It is also the responsibility to counter denial of atrocity crimes and glorification of war criminals. I note that this week, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina sentenced three individuals for incitement to hatred for singing songs threatening violence in 2019 in Visegrad and understand this is an unprecedented ruling. There is no place for hate speech on any grounds. As Bosnia and Herzegovina readies for the election in October, I encourage all politicians to turn the page on rhetoric and policies of division, to focus on promoting the rights of everyone across the country, and to build an inclusive and democratic future, based on equality of all citizens. I heard that thousands of people, particularly young individuals, have been leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina in the past years. The talent drain is a cause for real concern, and I hope the country can find solutions and implement effective measures to stem the outflow. It is not just about lack of jobs, but it is also because of perceived corruption and the lack of trust in the authorities, institutions and public services. Bosnia and Herzegovina has so much to offer, and I truly hope that its leaders stand united and to put this young country’s best interests first - for the benefit of everyone.  Since the signature of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted an extensive legislative framework and it is equipped with a significant number of judicial and other institutions which are entrusted with promoting and protecting human rights. Many of the people I met deplored the lack of implementation and enforcement of legislation. Some expressed concerns about the functioning or even the independence of institutions, revealing significant distrust in their capacity to protect rights. It is critical for these institutions to be solid, independent, transparent and impartial, and to be seen as such. The Human Rights Ombudsmen institution of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a particularly critical role to play. As the appointment and selection process of the Ombudsmen is starting , it is essential that it is fully transparent, fair and impartial, and that civil society organizations are able to monitor this process. This institution must be trusted by all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and proactively promote and protect human rights as well as the work of civil society actors. Many interlocutors in civil society have described the pushbacks on civic space in the past years, with particular concerns in the Republika Srpska entity. Journalists as well as human rights defenders, particularly women, have faced increasing pressure, intimidation and threats. One major concern is stigmatization by political leaders, which triggers social exclusion. The protection of fundamental freedoms is essential at all times, all the more so ahead of elections in October. It is also important to set mechanisms to strengthen the protection of journalists and human rights defenders, and encourage initiatives taken in this regard. The diversity of this country is one of its greatest assets. I see so much potential for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Everyone deserves to live in a safe place where respect for the human rights of everyone is at its core.  Thank you. ENDS

Recognizing the persistent prevalence of hate speech in the public space, including online, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the harmful impact it has on the society, notably on reconciliation, these key institutions, all entrusted to counter hate speech and discrimination under their respective mandates, signed a pledge to reaffirm their commitment and express their determination to counter and condemn any manifestations of such speech. While signing the pledge, dr. Jasminka Džumhur, Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted that  “tolerance, in a society of diversity, established on the principles of preserving the dignity of each individual, regardless of which group they belong to, presupposes an established effective legislative and institutional framework for the prevention and countering of hate speech. Invoking freedom of expression cannot be an excuse to use hate speech, which is why the media, as a channel of communication, has an immense responsibility. " “It is very important to react in a timely manner, to prevent possible hate speech, and that means more education – by the school system, the media, in everyday public life. Insisting on accountability for the spoken word must be dominant, and thus the role of state institutions, civil society and regulatory bodies must be more efficient. It is crucial to establish effective mechanisms for the prevention, protection from and sanctioning of hate speech in our society. In addition to the fact that regulatory bodies have been established and an appropriate legal framework is in place to prevent and combat hate speech, it is very important that the media and public figures are aware of their responsibilities and the impact they have on the public”, added Ms. Nives Jukić, Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the occasion of the joint signing, the President of the Central Electoral Commission BiH, Dr. Suad Arnautovic, stressed the importance of awareness raising and educating voters and the general public to recognize all forms of hate speech expressed by political officials, candidates and their supporters. The goal of combating hate speech is to strengthen tolerance in a society and the much-needed development and progress of the democratic processes. The document was signed on behalf of the Central Election Commission by Ms. Vanja Bjelica-Prutina, Member of the CEC. “Discriminatory stereotypes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and society are present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which encourages sexist and misogynistic attitudes. Therefore, women are often exposed to gender-based hate speech, especially journalists, politicians, activists and all human rights defenders in general. It is necessary to adopt and implement effective measures to prevent and prohibit the use of sexist and misogynistic language and hate speech in the public discourse. It is necessary to ensure the protection of all women human rights defenders in order to enable them to carry out their important tasks freely without fear or threat of violence or harassment. Now - during the upcoming election campaign, it is especially important to draw the attention of the media, political actors and the general public towards non-acceptance of sexist and misogynistic portrayal of women politicians in the media and point out the importance of positive portrayal of women as active drivers of change in a society”, said Ms. Samra Filipović Hadžiabdić , Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina upon signing the pledge. Ms Amela Odobašić, Director of Broadcasting, Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina underlined that „there is no more problematic issue for those who deal with media freedoms than „hate speech“. Relying on the freedom to receive and communicate information, in accordance with the Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the media are obliged to inform citizens about everything including the appearance of hate speech. The issue of hate speech in BiH is regulated by a legal framework - the Code of Audiovisual Media Services and Radio Media Services, based on the international legal instruments. The Internet is considered as a turbo accelerator of hate speech not only because of the access it provides but also because it allows freedom without accountability. Therefore, dealing with hate speech is a complex and multidimensional task in which all relevant participants in a society should be involved.“ The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald, commended the commitment of the institutions, highlighting that “the role of institutions with mandates to monitor, regulate and address discrimination and hate speech is essential in today's world of rapid information flows. In a country where toxic hate speech and disinformation is prolific, these institutions can lead by example, by showing zero tolerance for all forms of hate speech. Words, comments and depictions with the intent of targeting a specific group are never acceptable, and often cause real harm. We all have a role to play to ensure safe public space by saying “No to Hate!”. The meeting also underlined the need to strengthen cooperation among the relevant institutions, to increase awareness about hate speech and its impact, and to join forces to prevent and counter this phenomenon. The United Nations team in Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to support efforts to counter hate speech, as well as disinformation and misinformation under the United Nations global Action Plan to Counter Hate Speech and the #NoToHate action.

The scale of this hideous crime during the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina prompted the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to recognize sexual violence as a weapon of war and ethnic cleansing. Sexual violence mainly targeted women and girls, but also men and boys. It is estimated that more than 20,000 women, girls, men and boys were subjected to sexual violence and the number is likely much higher. As for all conflicts, we will never know the exact number of victims - some were killed and many survivors would never speak due to the trauma and stigmatization. Some towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina are gruesomely associated with systematic, mass sexual violence. It is incomprehensible that survivors continue to still be ignored, dehumanized, and stigmatized, while war criminals continue to be glorified. Authorities at all levels must pay tribute to the memory of victims and to survivors but also ensure reparations. United Nations human rights treaty bodies have issued recommendations to the State of Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure access to justice and reparations for victims of sexual violence perpetrated during the conflict. These include the Committee against Torture[1] the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the Human Rights Committee, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Yet, almost thirty years after the end of the conflict, the majority of survivors have not obtained justice and reparation and continue to live with the physical and psychological consequences of the unspeakable crimes they suffered. Children born out of rape committed during the conflict have also been experiencing stigmatization and a whole range of obstacles. As noted by the United Nations Secretary-General in his last report to the Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence, insufficient progress has been made in issuing reparations.[2] Survivors who have sought justice have faced inconceivable ordeals. It is unacceptable that those who initiated civil proceedings in order to receive compensation in the Republika Srpska entity are ordered to pay court fees if they lose their cases, and that this involves seizing their assets, including social benefits.  The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of non-recurrence, Mr. Fabian Salvioli, expressed concern that this situation prolongs the stigmatization and economic marginalization of survivors [3].   As Bosnia and Herzegovina marks its 30th year as the United Nations Member State, all relevant authorities must ensure reparation and rehabilitation for survivors of sexual violence perpetrated during the conflict and children born out of rape during that period. This is essential for a society to heal.   [1] In 2019, the United Nations Committee Against Torture deplored that “the absence of a national reparation mechanism forces victims of war crimes, especially survivors of war-time sexual violence, to go through complex and lengthy proceedings at the entity levels to obtain limited assistance, including social welfare benefits”. It urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish an effective reparation scheme at the national level to provide all forms of redress to victims of war crimes, including sexual violence; adopt a framework law that clearly defines criteria for obtaining the status of victims of war crimes, including sexual violence, and sets out the specific rights and entitlements guaranteed to victims throughout the State party; ensure that the authorities at the entity level remove restrictive and discriminatory provisions from their legislation and policies relating to redress for civilian victims of war, including survivors of war-time sexual violence; and compile data, disaggregated by age, sex and ethnicity, on the number of victims in order to fully assess their needs and to provide holistic rehabilitation services to victims without discrimination on account of their place of residence. [2] See Report of the United Nations Secretary-General to the United Nations Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence, S/2022/272, 22 March 2022, p. 21, paragraph 63, at https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/s-2022-272.pdf [3] See https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2021/12/2021/12/preliminary-observations-official-visit-bosnia-and-herzegovina

“Over the last two days we have heard from civil society activists and human rights defenders about retracting civic space in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is deeply concerning to hear of persistent and increasing pressure, intimidation and threats against civil society actors, including independent journalists, analysts and human rights activists. This is not acceptable. Across the world, ensuring public participation is critical for healthy democratic relations between people and governments. It is essential for addressing the needs, claims and grievances that affect the daily lives of citizens. Sustained efforts by governments and institutions, including human rights institutions to promote and protect public participation are integral to the commitments of Bosnia and Herzegovina under international human rights treaties”, said dr.Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH on the occassion. Four sessions which discussed the protection of civil society actors, promotion of civil society, the right to participate in public affairs, gave recommendations for action and improvement of public space, with the active role of BiH civil society in the future. "International agreements that protect human rights are based on the fundamental principle that everyone has equal, inalienable and universal rights, and what is important to emphasize is that the Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina are not here to criticize, but to point out problems arising from the cases we receive, i.e. the systemic problems that exist in our society in all segments and areas of human rights. We are here as a link between the authorities and the citizens, where cooperation with civil society is very important for the benefit of all of us. From the Platform for Cooperation, which was adopted by the Ombudsman in 2010, the Criteria for Cooperation with the Non-Governmental Sector dndorsed last month to today's discussion that raises important questions about the space for civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Ms. Nives Jukić, Human Rights Ombudsman in BiH. Clément Voule, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, joining from Geneva said that “countires need to do more to ensure a favorable environment for the functioning of civil society. The international community should insist on this criteria in all its reports, including those evaluating BiH's progress towards the EU integration." However, there is no shortage of examples showcasing positive civil society practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The results of civic pressure and joint forces were seen in the action initiated by a student and environmental activist Sara Tuševljak, when the Banja Luka District Court handed down four verdicts in favor of a group of citizens and annulled three environmental permits and a building permit for the mini hydro power plant “Samar”. "Most of the motivation comes from positive examples, because I think our story is a positive example. It is also a message for young activists that only by participating in changes can we expect a result, although the fight is not easy," added Sara. Cohesion, coordination and solidarity in the civic space are key to strengthening advocacy on human rights issues in the BiH society, but it requires a longer-term process and more sustainable efforts to achieve it, Ms. Agnes Picod, Senior Human Rights Adviser at the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator summarized at the end of the conference. The legislative framework on fundamental freedoms, in particular freedom of peaceful assembly, association, expression and the media, must be fully in line with the international human rights standards. Authorities at the highest levels need to be constantly reminded of the obligation to ensure the highest level of protection of human rights, as prescribed by the Constitution of BiH and the international conventions to which BiH is a signatory - the panelists concluded.