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Story
27 June 2022
ILO makes history with the adoption of resolutions on occupational safety and health, apprenticeships, and the social and solidarity economy
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Story
27 June 2022
Disaster Risk Reduction: From raising awareness and strategic planning to effective implementation
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Press Release
27 June 2022
UNODC World Drug Report 2022 highlights trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, and drug use among women and youth
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Story
24 October 2021
UN Festival #ZamisliPromijeni / #ImagineChange gathers almost a hundred participants and thousands of citizens
More environmental protection, life without conflicts, true respect for human rights, better perspectives and more employment opportunities – that is the future that the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina imagine in 25 years from now.
By promoting culture, creativity and creation, innovation and entrepreneurship, equality but also diversity, heritage, art and ecology, the United Nations (UN) in Bosnia and Herzegovina marked its day with the #ImagineChange Festival at the Zemaljski muzej in Sarajevo. Twenty selected participants of the fair, youth bands, musicians, chefs, animators and poets – all partners of UN agencies, funds and programs in BiH, who are actively working on positive changes in their local communities and beyond, made a visit to the Zemaljski muzej an unforgettable and different experience for thousands of citizens. Participants of the #ImagineChange Festival came from different cities and municipalities all across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The partnership between the United Nations in BiH and the Zemaljski muzej provided free entrance to the Museum from October 21st to 24th, celebrating the UN Day. More importantly, it reminded citizens that the treasury of the Museum is safeguarding traces of the rich past and the cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so they responded to the invitation to visit in large numbers.
”2021 was a challenging year for the world, including for so many of the people that the United Nations works with in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But through our work across BiH, we continue to see innovators, entrepreneurs, change makers, activists, and everyday people, working tirelessly to positively contribute to the development of their communities and the country. Some of these people and organizations - impressive change makers - joined us to celebrate the UN Day and showcase the many possibilities which exist across this country. They are the people who are paving the way towards gender equality and the empowerment of women; quality education; entrepreneurship and youth start-ups; climate action and environmental protection; healthy aging; food production and security and agricultural development, and much more. They are imagining change and making it happen. At this challenging time, when political rhetoric takes so much public space, it’s important to highlight the many positive voices and actions that happen every day, and to move past divisive narratives. We hope that they can be an inspiration to all”, said dr. Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH.
This year's UN Day is marked under the slogan #ImagineChange in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which celebrates all those heroes and changemakers who are, step by step, initiating positive changes in their communities, but it also invites all of us to imagine and work on changes that are important to us.
Radomirka Alić, the founder of a small family business - Cafe Confectionery "Slatki zalogaj" Srebrenica was among the exhibitors. Great attendance and interest in Radomirka's stand marked the very beginning of the Festival.
"Participation in the Festival is a great honor and joy. I am positively surprised and I did not expect that there would be so many people, and that they would like our program so much, part of which we brought for tasting. I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with the United Nations through the ”Biz Up” program late last year. We started our business with two goals - the first is to provide a job, and the second is to create a place in Srebrenica where everyone can gather, where it doesn't matter who you are or what you are - a place that breaks down prejudices and stereotypes 365 days a year."
The moderation duo of the Festival were Haris Bilalović and Aida Vehabović - a seventeen-year-old girl from Kakanj, an award-winning actress who breaks down prejudices and who says:
“It is a great honour to be invited to co-host the United Nations birthday program and I am happy to write down in my memory book yet another striking event with the UN. My most important message is that young people should be given opportunities to stay here in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because we too can create and work like other countries if we make a change. The world remains with us young people, and if we start to change what doesn’t suit us, it will be a fantastic proof that we are doing well. From the sustainable development goals, I would single out education in the first place - education and practical work. Of course, everything depends on us young people and I hope that we will be able to make changes and that future generations will have more quality education."
United Nations agencies, funds and programs have promoted cooperation with people, companies, organizations and institutions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, which they support in creating and implementing change in their communities, in cooperation with their international partners and donors.
The United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina is thankful to the UN agencies and partners: Nevid teatar, Muzička škola Banja Luka, AIESEC, Vjeko Kramer, youth bands Zelene oči, Krx, AMD and VuciBAtine who are working jointly in Srebrenica, Bratunac and Vlasenica, and also to Balkantina Sarajevo, SOR Narcis Posušje, Outdoor/Aquabalkan Konjic, NVO Genesis and UPSHIFT, the band Deminutiv, Healthy Aging Center Novo Sarajevo, coffee confectionery Slatki zalogaj Srebrenica, chocolate shop Bashka, BHWI Foundation, IOM Fashion Corner, Disaster Risk Reduction Program for Sustainable Development, IT Girls Initiative and all other participants of the Festival who have enriched the program and who imagine and change their environment for the better every day.
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Publication
01 June 2021
A Partnership for Sustainable Development: Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021-2025
This Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF), adopted by the BiH Council of Ministers at its 22nd Session on 16 December 2020 and reconfirmed by the BiH Presidency at its 114th Extraordinary Session on 5 March 2021, will guide the work of authorities in BiH and the UN system until 2025. This framework builds on the successes of our past cooperation and it represents a joint commitment to work in close partnership for results as defined in this Cooperation Framework that will help all people in BiH to live longer, healthier and more prosperous and secure lives.
This Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) describes four strategic priorities for joint work by 2025:
Sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth
Quality, accessible and inclusive education, health and social protection
People centered governance and rule of law
Citizen and community engagement for social cohesion
The authorities in BiH and the UN system have mutual accountability for the achievement of planned CF results. Based on their comparative advantages, UN system agencies will contribute policy advice, in accordance with international norms, standards, and best practices, and they will help to develop new capacities at all levels of government in BiH for the implementation and monitoring of strategies, policies and plans in BiH. Emphasis is placed on those strategies, policies and plans that align strongly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and targets as set forth in the emerging SDGs Framework in BiH.
This is our Partnership for Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
See more on the official signing of the Cooperation Framework: https://bosniaherzegovina.un.org/en/127284-partnership-sustainable-development
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Press Release
22 November 2021
It's youth time!
The waterfall in Jajce was illuminated in UN blue on 16 November, continuing the United Nations Day marking, and honoring all the activities that the United Nations is implementing in the field of sustainable development in cooperation with partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The blue water is a powerful message of peace and hope for a more prosperous future for everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The United Nations Day is marked on 24 October, and this year it was celebrated with the #ImagineChange campaign. The central part of the celebration was the first ever UN Festival held at the Zemaljski Muzej. The #ImagineChange mission was continued with the United Nations Secretary General's Envoy on Youth, Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, at the formal reception held last night in the City Hall in Sarajevo.
Reception was held with representatives of young people from all across BiH, as well as representatives of UN agencies, funds and programmes in BiH, embassies and missions - partner organizations of the United Nations in BiH. The special guest - the UN Secretary General's Envoy on Youth, Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH, dr. Ingrid Macdonald talked with the Sarajevo Mayor, Ms. Benjamina Karić, as well as with representatives of young people from all over the country about the perspectives, opportunities and role of young people in BiH.
"We usually say that young people are leaders of the future, but in fact they are the leaders of today," said the United Nations Envoy on Youth Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake in her introductory speech.
"Young people who are trying to create opportunities for themselves in their communities cannot do it alone. And they should not do it alone. They should be expected to create solutions, and the United Nations, donors, local decision makers should create a conductive environment so that these young people can really live the change, and not just want it and perceive it. We at the UN are ready to work with young people and partners to ensure that every young person in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the world reaches its full potential."
Ms. Wickramanayake has been a youth development activist in her country since she was 13 years young, followed by engagements at the international level. As UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, she works to expand the United Nations engagement and advocacy activities across all pillars of UN's work - human rights, peace and security. Under her leadership and the leadership of her Office, the United Nations developed the first comprehensive system-wide Youth Strategy, and the High-level Steering Committe which she leads coordinates its implementation across all UN member states.
"The people we work with throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina inspire us to focus on positive change despite the difficult times and the pandemic, to see that change is possible and to strive for it. To aim high, because it's possible even under difficult circumstances. To aim high, because that's exactly what the people we work with do. The past two years have been crucial for the United Nations partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina - we have prepared and signed the five-year Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the Council of Ministers, confirming the commitment to work together - for the people, their environment and the prosperity of their communities," said dr.Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr. Macdonald also thanked the United Nations staff, across 17 resident and non-resident agencies, funds and progarmms, who worked on aligning the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the different programs of the United Nations agencies. "All the areas we are committed to are important to us, but one of the most important areas is certainly working with young people," she added, referring to the month of August, during which young leaders took over the official social media accounts of United Nations agencies and programs, making sure that the voice of the country's youth is heard.
"I want a society in which we do not judge each other based on our skin color, accent, origin, social status. I want us to be a society of good and tolerant people. In order to create such a society, we must take responsibility for our future", said Aida Vehabović, a young actress and activist from Kakanj who, together with Haris Bilalović, moderated the event and the conversation between youth in BiH and UN representatives.
Haris and Aida reminded that the #ImagineChange Festival, which was visited by thousands of citizens, sent a message that it is time for better environmental protection, for life without conflicts, for true respect for human rights. It is time for better prospects and more employment opportunities and continuous work with the United Nations on these goals, together with partners and despite the pandemic.
United Nations programs and agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the #ImagineChange campaign promote cooperation with people, companies, organizations and institutions throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting them in imagining and implementing positive change in their communities, in cooperation with their international partners and donors.
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Story
20 September 2021
Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina know what kind of future they want to see
Bosnia and Herzegovina has all the natural and human resources to be a prosperous, fast-growing, leading ‘green’ country by 2045, for the benefit of everyone living in it. This was the underlining vision shared by the young people participating in the “Next 25 years in BiH” arts competition, whose winners were awarded in Sarajevo on 17th September.
The competition was organized by the United Nations’ Dialogue for the Future initiative and the OSCE Mission to BiH in June this year, building upon the “25 Years of Peace” competition for youth organized in December 2020.
Guided by the call for a Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, young people across BiH were asked to reflect on what a peaceful and prosperous future means to them and what should the next 25 years look like in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Winners were announced in three categories, with Ms. Nizama Husetic awarded for the best written piece, Ms. Azra Imamovic for an illustration and Ms. Ajla Berber for a video-presentation.
A conversation with young people participating in the competition followed, with dr. Ingrid Macdonald, the UN Resident Coordinator in BiH, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Mr. Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Siniša Šešum, Head of UNESCO Antenna Office in Sarajevo, and Ms. Sanja Kabil, UNICEF Head of Education Section.
“We know that many people are leaving Bosnia and Herzegovina every year. It is a serious problem: the country is rapidly losing its most valuable capital – its people. Yet, traveling across the country, meeting the young people today, reading their words, viewing their art – it gives us hope. It energizes us to redouble efforts to make their vision of a more prosperous, inclusive and fairer future a reality.”, said dr. Ingrid Macdonald, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH.
“It is crucial that young people engage to help move BiH forward, to ensure change based on democratic values, and foster political and social stability. Such voices need to be amplified: this is just one reason why the OSCE Mission to BiH has supported this essay competition, together with our United Nations colleagues.” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH.
The overall competition winner, Ms. Nizama Husetic, outlined in her winning piece the potential that BiH holds in its industry, tourism, tradition and – people, which could enable its growth and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals: “Fortune favors the brave, and we have never been anything less than that. Society in which everyone is working in the sphere in which they are the best, to which they are dedicated, will never be a doomed society”.
The art works submitted for the two cycles of the competition show without doubt that young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina know what kind of future they want to see – one guided by the values of peace, mutual understanding, dignity and inclusion.
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27 June 2022
ILO makes history with the adoption of resolutions on occupational safety and health, apprenticeships, and the social and solidarity economy
Occupational safety and health, apprenticeships, and the social and solidarity economy were among the items discussed on the 110th Session of The International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILC) that was held from 27 May to 11 June 2022.
The results of the discussions were adopted in form of International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) resolutions providing important guidance for the world of work and aiming to improve lives of millions of workers across the world.
“The 110th International Labour Conference had made history with its work on safety and health, apprenticeships, and labour standards, among other areas” said ILO Director-General, Mr. Guy Ryder speaking to more than 4,000 delegates representing Governments, Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations from 178 ILO Member States.
Summary of resolutions
A safe and healthy working environment. Protection of workers against occupational injuries and diseases is an integral part of decent work. The COVID-19 pandemic which has had a profound and transformative impact on the world of work, has reiterated the importance of occupational safety and health, while the country responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the importance of an effective collaboration between social partners in preventing occupational accidents and diseases, as said in the 2022 ILO Report published on World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
This year, the ILC declared that safe and healthy working conditions are fundamental to decent work and subsequently adopted the Resolution on the inclusion of a safe and healthy working environment in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work. This means that the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187) are considered as fundamental Conventions within the meaning of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998), as amended in 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified both Conventions.
The link to the Resolution is available here.
Quality Apprenticeships. Unemployment and underemployment rates continue to be high globally; inequality persists; and rapid transformations in the world of work exacerbate skills mismatches and skills shortages, requiring people of all ages to reskill and upskill continuously. The promotion and development of quality apprenticeships can lead to decent work, contribute to effective and efficient responses to current challenges and provide lifelong learning opportunities to enhance productivity, resilience, transitions and employability and meet current and future needs of apprentices, employers and the labour market. In this respect, the ILC adopted the Resolution related to the development of a new ILO Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships which is expected to provide guidance on promoting apprenticeships and providing adequate protection to apprentices, including a definition of apprenticeships, a regulatory framework, and equality and diversity issues. Members should incorporate and promote quality apprenticeships within their relevant education, vocational training, and employment policies.
The link to the Resolution is available here.
The social and solidarity economy. Although the social and solidarity economy (SSE) is not new, its policy importance and visibility have grown significantly since the beginning of this century and the ILO has led the promotion of the SSE within the United Nations (UN) system, including through standards-related action. A number of ILO documents: The Promotion of Cooperatives Recommendation, 2002 (No. 193), the Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy Recommendation, 2015 (No. 204) and the Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience Recommendation, 2017 (No. 205) acknowledge the contribution of the SSE to poverty reduction, to inclusive societies, to the transition from the informal to the formal economy, to enabling recovery and to building resilience.
In this respect the ILC adopted the Resolution concerning decent work and the social and solidarity economy which sets a number of the obligations for Members, just to mention few such as: to establish a conducive environment consistent with the nature and diversity of the SSE; treat SSE entities on terms no less favourable than those accorded to other forms of enterprise, in line with ILO Recommendation No. 193; enact policies that foster the creation of quality jobs for all, including in the SSE; and recognize their role in the transition from the informal to the formal economy.
The link to the Resolution is available here.
ILC, often called an international parliament of labour, meets once a year and establishes and adopts international labour standards, and is a forum for discussion of key social and labour questions.
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27 June 2022
Disaster Risk Reduction: From raising awareness and strategic planning to effective implementation
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) means systemic efforts to analyze and manage the causes of disasters, including reduced exposure to hazards and vulnerability of people and property, reasonable land and environmental management and enhanced preparedness for harmful events.
Disaster risk management must be based on understanding disaster risks in all their forms, from hazards to local exposure to capacities and vulnerabilities. For, if we do not have clear understanding of the risks we are facing, the implementation of the DRR measures can be ineffective.
Local governments in BiH often have limited financial or technical capacities to undertake steps relating to DRR and building resilience.
Implementation of the Joint Swiss-UN Programme on “Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina” recognizes the importance of the role local governments in BiH have in DRR and having considered their powers, capacities and responsibilities, the disaster management action plans were improved in order to provide a strategic approach to the implementation of resilience and risk reduction measures.
The Municipality of Sanski Most is one of the local communities in BiH in which the authorities identified disaster risks, including hazards, exposure and vulnerabilities, and are using that knowledge in decision-making through active engagement of representatives of civil protection, social protection, education, agriculture and health.
“The Joint Programme supported the municipality of Sanski Most through a multi-sectoral approach, thematic workshops and training sessions in conducting a thorough risk assessment, analyses, assessments, priority setting and planning of DRR measures. This project has significantly improved communication, coordination and cooperation among the key actors in the local community”, said Mr. Sajid Ramić, a DRR platform coordinator in Sanski Most, mentioning the procurement of a modern early warning programme, related equipment and a siren installed on a rooftop of the Fire Station in Sanski Most as an example of good practice within the Joint Programme.
“By installing a new state-of-the-art programme and equipment at the Early Warning Centre, prerequisites were created for the entire early warning system to be integrated into a whole for the purpose of establishing timely and effective early warning of the population about imminent or direct hazards”, Mr. Sajid Ramić emphasized.
As different levels of government have recognized how important disaster risk management is and the need to allocate power and responsibilities for undertaking DRR activities at the local level, it is necessary to develop capacities because the empowerment of the local level contributes to global disaster risk reduction.
As part of the Joint Programme activities, the “Support to the Implementation of the Preparedness and Action Plan of the Social Welfare Centre (SWC)” project is being implemented in Sanski Most, aimed at enhancing professional capacities and human resources of the SWC, strengthening material and technical capacities and raising awareness of the beneficiary population about risks, hazards and manners of self-protection in case of a disaster.
Ms. Zemina Kadirić of the Social Welfare Centre (SWC) in Sanski Most has explained that in case of a disaster, “vulnerable groups of society, like adults and children with disabilities, multi-member families with low socioeconomic status and older and infirm people, have an increased risk of experiencing long-term economic, social and psychological consequences”, adding that “additional and continued training of the SWC staff is necessary in order for them to develop competences and acquire skills that social workers need to be able to provide an effective response to the above-mentioned challenges and problems”.
Forest fires, floods, landslides, earthquakes are all warning us that preparedness to disasters and an effective response through the established DRR system are necessary.
By enhancing the understanding and raising awareness of citizens along with the commitments of the local governments and political leaders, we are building resilience to the soaring impacts of disasters and climate change, which is not an easy task at all, but still doable exclusively through joint efforts of all of us.
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22 May 2022
#First30BiH2UN celebrated with a solemn ceremony at the Parliament of BiH and the UN Festival #ImagineChange
The celebration of the first 30 years of Bosnia and Herzegovina's membership in the United Nations began on Friday with a formal programme at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina and continued with the second edition of the UN's #ImagineChange Festival at the Square of BiH/Trg BiH. Whilst giving a retrospective of key milestones, actions, and changes, as well as most current ones such as climate actions and activities under the UN - BiH 2021 – 2025 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the participants reflected on the significance of the jubilee and achievements of these first 30 years.
"We entered the world stage on May 22, 1992, with the UN Resolution 757, and we have had an intensive and meaningful relationship with the UN and its agencies ever since. BiH has remained, for a country of its size and foreign policy capacity, a very visible, very committed, and active member of the UN. One part of these activities continues to relate to cooperation with the UN and UN agencies in the implementation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, and in the impact and shaping of their engagement. The second part of our diplomatic activities is dedicated to sharing experiences of conflict and post-conflict situations. In the UN environment, I can convey this firsthand, it is especially appreciated that BiH has moved from a country with the presence of international military forces, to a state participating in peacekeeping missions, in less than ten years since the end of the war. Our engagement with the UN and the attitudes we have promoted have best confirmed that we share the principles and values of the UN Charter. We have shown visibility and commitment in many other UN bodies, and in BiH itself through active and successful cooperation with the UN agencies. Our view of the UN is realistic and balanced - we understand and see the difficulties and global challenges the UN is facing, but we also recognize the value of these goals and the need for humanity to make this organization a success. That is why we remain committed to these principles and goals, and we want to share our experience and give our full contribution", the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, HE Šefik Džaferović said at the opening.
"On behalf of the United Nations, I would like to thank the people and authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina for all that they have contributed to the United Nations and the multilateral system over this time. We heard from Ambassadors to the United Nations who reflected on the contributions of Bosnia and Herzegovina to UN peacekeeping; on its membership in the UN bodies and committees; and its time as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. We heard from activists and Parliamentary representatives who have contributed to translating global commitments of Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Action into local and country-wide action together with people across Bosnia and Herzegovina. And we gathered with changemakers and innovators to mark these First 30 Years and celebrate those who Imagine Change in Bosnia and Herzegovina every day. When we work together, we have the tools to build a greener, fairer, and more inclusive Bosnia and Herzegovina. The United Nations remains committed to supporting people and leaders in shaping the peaceful and prosperous future they Imagine and work on to achieve, for the benefit of all people across the country – so that no one is left behind," said Ingrid Macdonald, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the occasion.
This important jubilee for BiH's membership in the UN is marked in a year when visible focus can be seen in efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, especially Climate action (SDG 13), Peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) and Partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Climate action and work on green policies were presented by Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the BiH Parliament, and the Green Club of the House of Representatives, as well as youth activists.
"Despite the limited capacities and great challenges ahead, I believe that in the coming years Bosnia and Herzegovina will be among the leaders in regional and international action in the fight against climate change. This is not only a right, but also a smart decision", said Safet Softić, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the BiH Parliament House of Representatives.
"We are grateful to the United Nations for the opportunity to represent at COP26, because we came back inspired and ready to contribute to the climate action in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When asked what to do next, we answer that real change comes from within and that we are counting on political representatives to put this topic in focus. We invite everyone to more active cooperation with international organizations and institutions that are really trying to make this topic a priority in public discourse. We invite you to hear our voice - the voice of young people and to continue to respect and support our ideas. Small steps have already been made, but now is the time for a big step forward", said Anastasia Đorđa Bosančić and Armela Mehdin, youth representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina at last year's COP26 conference in Glasgow.
"Obligations stemming from The Glasgow Climate Pact are still on the margins of all political actors. It is a high time for concrete action, and I give my full support and call on the Council of Ministers and all other actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen their commitment to achieving the set goals," said Jasmin Emrić, BiH Parliament House of Representatives Delegate, inviting young people to join the actions like Anastasia and Armela did.
Current and former diplomatic representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassadors Sven Alkalaj, Miloš Prica, Mirsada Čolaković and Ivan Barbalić, shared their experiences of participating in the work of the United Nations, emphasizing the progress that the country has achieved in the past 30 years and especially the milestone mandate as the non-permanent member of the Security Council. They also commented on the immeasurable importance of UN support and action in the country, including on practical contributions to advancing strategies and policies, and support on the path to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The second iteration of the #ImagineChange Festival continued the mission of promoting culture, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, equality and diversity, heritage, art, and climate action, and presented partners of UN programs and agencies in BiH who are actively working on positive change in their local communities and wider.
The program and exhibition space of the Festival were enriched by: IOM Fashion Corner with No Nation Fashion clothing and accessories designed and made by people on the move, as well as participants in UNFPA Centers for women and girls, and boys and young men, the IT Girls initiative, Center for Healthy Aging Novo Sarajevo, Voćar doo, Zelena sredina, Butteria doo, Sumensko Soaps, Fondacija 787, BHWI i Vaša prava, Geppetto playroom, Studio theater from Zenica, Frtutma kids duet, Marleti theater, Kike Budalike, Rock solid band Birač from Srebrenica and numerous visitors of the Festival.
A video of the official ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of BiH's membership at the UN is available here.
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11 May 2022
Empowering Those Most Vulnerable: Social Protection Must Be An Inseparable Part Of Communities’ Emergency Response
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is one of the most challenging areas that requires attention. But it is also a framework created for the purpose of protecting local communities from hazards and minimizing their vulnerability. One of the most important DRR aspects is the active involvement of local communities.
Although natural disasters cannot be avoided, the approval of appropriate assessments, plans, guidelines and approaches to risk reduction can significantly reduce damage and improve sustainable development of Bosnia and Herzegovina - a country considered at high risk of exposure to natural and other hazards.
In the light of those challenges, the importance of DRR has been recognized at the local community level in BiH, and the City of Trebinje is an example of continuing and systemic efforts made towards promoting and implementing DRR measures through vertical and horizontal structures of society and also of continuous investment in empowering the most vulnerable groups within the society, children and families, in order to prevent or mitigate both economic and social consequences of disasters.
“DRR Programme has enhanced cooperation and coordination among different sectors, which has proven to be useful for effective implementation of the Programme in the area of protection and rescue”, said Đorđe Jelica, DRR Platform Coordinator in Trebinje. “Maintaining closer cooperation with institutions at different levels of government, sectors at the local level and other partners and donors has contributed to achieving good results and an excellent operational model for successful implementation of this Programme”.
The public institution “Social Welfare Centre (SWC)” stands out in the Trebinje DRR Platform. Having developed and adopted the necessary documents, a risk assessment and the Protection and Rescue Plan for natural and other disasters, the SWC placed the focus on the most vulnerable groups of population, that is, on the beneficiaries of the social welfare system, with a particular emphasis on children and families.
“Although the SWC Trebinje is not yet a formal member of the City Emergency Response Command, it maintains close cooperation and ties with the local authorities and sectors involved in the provision of security and safety and risk prevention at the local level”, Zoran Anđušić, a member of the DRR Platform from the social welfare sector, explained.
“The capacities of the Trebinje Social Welfare Centre have been strengthened”, said Tanja Manojlović, a social worker at the SWC, adding that “it is through the implementation of the DRR Programme that the SWC has been recognized for the first time ever as an important factor in a response to adverse climatic events and natural disasters”.
Implementation of activities within the Joint Programme of the Swiss Government and the United Nations (UN) "Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina", the training of the SWC staff and provision of new equipment to the SWC have all secured adequate preparedness and continuity in service delivery and provision of assistance in emergencies.
The SWC staff play one of the key roles in disaster risk reduction thanks to their presence in communities that they belong to and, Tanja Manojlović believes, training of the SWC staff in the provision of psychological first aid, including practical assistance, stabilization and support to affected people in order to restore normal community functioning, will be the next step towards the SWC growth and improvement.
The role of DRR Platforms in the local communities in BiH goes far beyond mere assistance provided to the communities to cope with the impacts of such events as floods or fires. They are in a unique position to identify and tackle what makes people vulnerable, be it natural or man-made hazards, poverty, poor health and displacement or a combination of all factors, as is sometimes the case.
“If DRR is successfully implemented as part of sustainable development, the concept of the city resilient to disasters will help reduce poverty, ensure growth and employment and will also provide an increased social justice, new development opportunities, a balanced ecosystem, better health and improved education”, Đorđe Jelica explained.
We should look at all individual challenges and risks as part of a larger whole. The City of Trebinje is committed not only to making efforts to respond successfully to natural hazards but also to enhancing its relationships with the neighboring municipalities, cities and regions in order to set up the systems that go hand in hand and which would provide mutual support and assistance if needed, because the ultimate goal is to ensure sustainable future of the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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30 March 2022
"Angel investors" finance and advise developing businesses
Finding the financial support a business is just starting or is in the early phase of development is among the biggest challenges to entrepreneurs. When lacking one’s own financial means and being unable to get a loan from a bank or other sources, angel investors can be an alternative source of financing of businesses.
Angel investors are successful entrepreneurs who invest their money and time, and share their knowledge and experience with those who either only have a business idea or are leading a business they want to develop further. Such investors are usually in the same profession as the business they are supporting, and aside of money, they help with contacts in the business community, as well as provide business advice.
Even though there are different types of support for women-owned businesses, in Bosnia and Herzegovina they are, in general, significantly leaning on informal support when starting their businesses, such as financial support of family or friends, reveals an unpublished study on resilience to crises of businesses owned by women in BiH. The study was conducted in 2021 within the project „Economic empowerment of women – rebuilding better” which is being implemented by UN Women and Foundation 787 with the financial support of United Kingdom government.
Among the ways of financing a business, women entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina have access to gender sensitive programmes of international donors through commercial banks and microcredit organisations, reveals the study, adding that additional ways of financing are needed.
Amra Humačkić - Omeragić
„Women turn to crowdfunding as well, even though possibilities for that are limited in BiH, due to legal regulations which don’t allow for such financing. The time needed to get a loan in a bank with expensive documentation and bureaucratic demands makes the women entrepreneurs in BiH turn to microcredit organisations as alternative sources of financing”, the study finds, adding that “there is a lack of investment such as angel business investors, venture capital, etc., which constrains specifically younger businesses in their scale-up.“
Network of business angels in BiH
A community of business angels in Bosnia and Herzegovina still doesn’t exist formally, but this year a significant move was made towards its creation. Organised by Foundation 787, the Business Angel Summit 2022 was held in Sarajevo in February, and gathered representatives of companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the region and potential international investors. One of the goals of the gathering was to set up a network of business angels in BiH which would largely help make investment partnerships happen in the future, but also promote such possibilities to both those who invest and those who seek financial support for their business.
The director of Foundation 787, Dajana Džindo, explains that business angels usually invest in early phases of development of a business and finance even those who only have a business idea or someone who just started working, but still don’t have a company which can be financed in a typical way. She adds that such investors usually invest smaller amounts, from 10.000 to 100.000 BAM or USD, and it is possible also for several investors to unite in an investment into a small business.
Fondacija 787
„What is characteristic for them is that they are not only giving money but also their time, knowledge and contacts. They are opening the doors to new markets and they are open to sharing their success and contacts. The companies often look for angels from a certain market they want to get in. It is a lot easier when you have a business angel in a country where you want to do business,“ Džindo says. „Angels often primarily invest in businesses from their own countries and most often have a few sectors in which they are most relaxed and where it’s easiest to invest, which does not mean they would not invest in other sectors.“
There were attempts to formalise an association of angel investors in the past, but such an initiative did not live on. In the meantime, there were investments on a similar principle like angel investment, but on an individual level and through personal connections. The idea of forming a network of business angels is useful for setting up connections and communication of companies that need investment and those who would invest their money and advice gained from their own experience.
„It will still not function in a way that it will be publicly known who the angel investors are. They mostly do not want to be very exposed. Instead, there will be a channel of possible communication with them, and businesses which seek funds will know who to ask,” Dajana says, adding that the first steps were made through the Business Angel Summit.
During this two-day event there were more than 20 business angels and potential angels from Bosnia and Herzegovina and additionally about 30 from the region and abroad. In preparation for the summit, Foundation 787 examined their affiliation to gather information on the framework of their capacities and readiness to invest.
„Less than 30 of them said they were ready to invest more than two million BAM in this year,“ she says. „On the Business Angel Summit there were people who already invested, some of them want to do it, but all of them agreed they want to join a network and soon we will have the first meeting to see how it will function. For now, Foundation 787 is the facilitator in terms of communication with start-ups and businesses.“
Finances for starting and developing a business
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are insufficient opportunities to finance starting or developing a business in the early-stage from public funds, while getting a loan from a bank usually requires positive business reports, which is difficult for many beginners.
“Many who want to start a business are leaving BiH because they can get an incentive for start-ups elsewhere,” says Dajana. “Angels fill this space between banks, the state and other incentives.”
„But also, if we create stories that will turn out to be successful, we are already creating the interest of others who want to create start-ups and we are thus developing the market. The same happened in Germany – people were leaving for the USA, so there were measures to make Germany attractive as well“, says the director of Foundation 787 which implements different support and education programmes for women and young people in business. Even though the concept of investments of business angels is not created for women entrepreneurs nor is it in any way specifically adjusted to them, it represents an alternative way of financing which can be used.
„I think that it creates a possibility which women entrepreneurs currently do not have. It is not easy, but from the beginning of this initiative we made sure that there are also women investors, and we do have them, which means a lot, both for the success of the network and the diversity in the context of involving businesses led by women,“ concludes Dajana Džindo.
This article was made possible within the project “Women Economic Empowerment in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Rebuilding Better” which is implemented by UN Women in BiH with financial support of United Kingdom government.
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Press Release
27 June 2022
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet concludes her official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (21-24 June 2022)
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
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Press Release
27 June 2022
UNODC World Drug Report 2022 highlights trends on cannabis post-legalization, environmental impacts of illicit drugs, and drug use among women and youth
According to the report, around 284 million people aged 15-64 used drugs worldwide in 2020, a 26 per cent increase over the previous decade. Young people are using more drugs, with use levels today in many countries higher than with the previous generation. In Africa and Latin America, people under 35 represent the majority of people being treated for drug use disorders. Globally, the report estimates that 11.2 million people worldwide were injecting drugs. Around half of this number were living with hepatitis C, 1.4 million were living with HIV, and 1.2 million were living with both.
Reacting to these findings, UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly stated: “Numbers for the manufacturing and seizures of many illicit drugs are hitting record highs, even as global emergencies are deepening vulnerabilities. At the same time, misperceptions regarding the magnitude of the problem and the associated harms are depriving people of care and treatment and driving young people towards harmful behaviours. We need to devote the necessary resources and attention to addressing every aspect of the world drug problem, including the provision of evidence-based care to all who need it, and we need to improve the knowledge base on how illicit drugs relate to other urgent challenges, such as conflicts and environmental degradation.”
The report further emphasizes the importance of galvanizing the international community, governments, civil society and all stakeholders to take urgent action to protect people, including by strengthening drug use prevention and treatment and by tackling illicit drug supply.
Early indications and effects of cannabis legalization
Cannabis legalization in North America appears to have increased daily cannabis use, especially potent cannabis products and particularly among young adults. Associated increases in people with psychiatric disorders, suicides and hospitalizations have also been reported. Legalization has also increased tax revenues and generally reduced arrest rates for cannabis possession.
Continued growth in drug production and trafficking
Cocaine manufacture was at a record high in 2020, growing 11 per cent from 2019 to 1,982 tons. Cocaine seizures also increased, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, to a record 1,424 tons in 2020. Nearly 90 per cent of cocaine seized globally in 2021 was trafficked in containers and/or by sea. Seizure data suggest that cocaine trafficking is expanding to other regions outside the main markets of North America and Europe, with increased levels of trafficking to Africa and Asia. Trafficking of methamphetamine continues to expand geographically, with 117 countries reporting seizures of methamphetamine in 2016‒2020 versus 84 in 2006‒2010.
Meanwhile, the quantities of methamphetamine seized grew five-fold between 2010 and 2020. Opium production worldwide grew seven per cent between 2020 and 2021 to 7,930 tons – predominantly due to an increase in production in Afghanistan. However, the global area under opium poppy cultivation fell by 16 per cent to 246,800 ha in the same period.
Key drug trends broken down by region
In many countries in Africa and South and Central America, the largest proportion of people in treatment for drug use disorders are there primarily for cannabis use disorders. In Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and in Central Asia, people are most often in treatment for opioid use disorders. In the United States and Canada, overdose deaths, predominantly driven by an epidemic of the non-medical use of fentanyl, continue to break records. Preliminary estimates in the United States point to more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2021, up from nearly 92,000 in 2020. In the two largest markets for methamphetamine, seizures have been increasing – they rose by seven per cent in North America from the previous year, while in South-East Asia they increased by 30 per cent from the previous year, record highs in both regions. A record high was also reported for methamphetamine seizures reported from South-West Asia, increasing by 50 per cent in 2020 from 2019. Great inequality remains in the availability of pharmaceutical opioids for medical consumption. In 2020, there were 7,500 more doses per 1 million inhabitants of controlled pain medication in North America than in West and Central Africa.
Conflict zones as magnets for synthetic drug production
This year’s report also highlights that illicit drug economies can flourish in situations of conflict and where the rule of law is weak, and in turn can prolong or fuel conflict. Information from the Middle East and South-East Asia suggest that conflict situations can act as a magnet for the manufacture of synthetic drugs, which can be produced anywhere. This effect may be greater when the conflict area is close to large consumer markets. Historically, parties to conflict have used drugs to finance conflict and generate income. The 2022 World Drug Report also reveals that conflicts may also disrupt and shift drug trafficking routes, as has happened in the Balkans and more recently in Ukraine.
A possible growing capacity to manufacture amphetamine in Ukraine if the conflict persists
There was a significant increase in the number of reported clandestine laboratories in Ukraine, skyrocketing from 17 dismantled laboratories in 2019 to 79 in 2020. 67 out of these laboratories were producing amphetamines, up from five in 2019 – the highest number of dismantled laboratories reported in any given country in 2020.
The environmental impacts of drug markets
Illicit drug markets, according to the 2022 World Drug Report, can have local, community or individual-level impacts on the environment. Key findings include that the carbon footprint of indoor cannabis is between 16 and 100 times more than outdoor cannabis on average and that the footprint of 1 kilogram of cocaine is 30 times greater than that of cocoa beans. Other environmental impacts include substantial deforestation associated with illicit cocoa cultivation, waste generated during synthetic drug manufacture that can be 5-30 times the volume of the end product, and the dumping of waste which can affecting soil, water and air directly, as well as organisms, animals and the food chain indirectly.
Ongoing gender treatment gap and disparities in drug use and treatment
Women remain in the minority of drug users globally yet tend to increase their rate of drug consumption and progress to drug use disorders more rapidly than men do. Women now represent an estimated 45-49 per cent of users of amphetamines and non-medical users of pharmaceutical stimulants, pharmaceutical opioids, sedatives, and tranquilizers. The treatment gap remains large for women globally. Although women represent almost one in two amphetamines users, they constitute only one in five people in treatment for amphetamine use disorders. The World Drug Report 2022 also spotlights the wide range of roles fulfilled by women in the global cocaine economy, including cultivating coca, transporting small quantities of drugs, selling to consumers, and smuggling into prisons.
***
The World Drug Report and further content is available here.
The 2022 World Drug Report provides a global overview of the supply and demand of opiates, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine-type stimulants and new psychoactive substances (NPS), as well as their impact on health.
For further information, please visit: World Drug Report 2022 homepage https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/wdr2021.html
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Press Release
21 June 2022
#NoToHate: Human Rights Institutions and the United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina pledge to counter hate speech in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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.
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Press Release
19 June 2022
It is imperative that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence have access to adequate reparation
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
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Press Release
21 June 2022
Cohesion, coordination and solidarity are integral part of the solution for a more efficient civic space in 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.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
15 December 2021
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