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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
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Press Release
19 June 2022
It is imperative that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence have access to adequate reparation
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Press Release
17 June 2022
Cohesion, coordination and solidarity are integral part of the solution for a more efficient civic space in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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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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Publication
17 June 2022
2021 UN Bosnia and Herzegovina Results Report
The 2021–2025 United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), signed with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers in May 2021, outlines four strategic priorities with five outcomes 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
In 2021, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina made a notable contribution towards the convergence of economic growth and sustainable and inclusive development. This report highlights the key results achieved under the 4 pillars.
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Story
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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Story
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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Story
30 March 2022
Butteria: A small business of great taste
Pistachio, cashew, pumpkin seeds, hazelnut, almond and peanut butter of the brand Butteria are products of the 24-year-old Hamida Begović. From a small workshop in Donji Vakuf these domestic products made from natural ingredients are being sent off across Bosnia and Herzegovina, from Čapljina and Trebinje, to Banja Luka and Sarajevo.
The company Bonsai was registered in 2020 and now stands as a success story of this young entrepreneur who worked on rebrandingand presenting new products under the name „Butteria“ in the past several months. New name, new design and new products are the result of financial and mentor support through the programme “BizUp” which is being implemented by Foundation 787 and UN Women as a part of the project „Economic empowerment of women – rebuilding better”, which is being financed by the United Kingdom government.
As a graduated professor of Arabic language without a job in her profession, Hamida dedicated her time to producing spreads from highly nutritional nuts, drupe and seeds, which are being ordered by those who want to eat healthy or vegan, but other customers as well. She makes her products with a machine with a stone mill, originally made for making chocolate, which was supposed to be its initial purpose. Together with her husband she wanted to make homemade chocolate but they eventually gave up due to the high prices of ingredients. Instead, she makes products rarely found in Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
„I especially love Bosnian coffee and it is my biggest pleasure to have it with a piece of chocolate. I think that was the biggest reason to start with chocolate, but also to offer others a healthy option. We found chocolate molds and the machine came from India through a friend, but we never bought all the ingredients. We bumped into several obstacles and in the end, we gave up“, Hamida recalls. „The machine stood there for about half a year until we tried to make peanut butter.“
„Since 2019 we experimented and then we gave some to our friends to try out, simply to see the reactions – they were delighted. Great – let’s sell that! Let’s buy the jars and all the rest. We had a few friends who tend to eat healthy,“ she recalls, adding that after peanut, she decided to try other nuts and seeds that contain a certain level of natural fats which, due to long processing, turn to a liquid spread.
„The longer the processing, the more liquid, better, it gets. Everything needs to be chopped up first, then put in the machine to make this spread. It really turns it into a nice butter. We called it the process of ‘butterisation’, even though there is no word like that. It is not just grinding. That is why: ‘butterisation’,” Hamida explains.
Registering the business
After a year of experimenting and preparing of new products, two years ago, with the financial help of Foundation Mozaik, Hamida registered as a small company in Donji Vakuf, a small town in central Bosnia where she, a Sarajevan, and her husband, Travnik-born, moved due to his work as a graduate mechanical engineer. They registered the business and renovated a storage room in the rented house they live in, turning it into a workshop and equipping it for production. Afterwards, Hamida got a self-employment subsidy from the Federation BiH employment bureau. Both programmes enabled her to be employed and, by selling what she produces, earn a monthly salary.
„It is not a big amount of money, but it is enough for me. Just so that I can work, so I can come to my workshop and work. I am not a type of person to work in a company for eight hours and come home tired,” she says, explaining what is the most important to her: „I still have time to spend with my child, which is my priority. I can dedicate my time to him.“
Aside from a few customers, Donji Vakuf is not a market large enough for her butter-spreads. Her first bigger buyers were people she met in Sarajevo, where she and her husband looked around to see whether there are similar products in the shops and sections with healthy food.
„We saw there is nothing similar, but while we were preparing everything in the beginning, there were already a few domestic peanut butters and one hazelnut butter. That shook us a little bit, in the sense of will we make it, but many shops opened their doors to us. The first of them was Kašahana,“ Hamida recalls, adding that her products, which are passing all legally required quality control tests every month, can be ordered via Facebook and Instagram or be found in a few shops in Sarajevo, Mostar and Tuzla.
Mentor work
As she was already in contact with Selma Mezetović Međić, the owner of Kašahana, Sarajevan snack bar which offers porridge and other meals made from healthy ingredients that contain no refined sugars, Hamida got a recommendation from her to apply for the programme BizUp at Foundation 787.
„Aside of the financial help which was really helpful to me – I bought ingredients for new butters and a new machine right at the time when one stopped working – mentorship that I had was especially useful,” Hamida says, adding that in the beginning it was unusual that her mentor was Vladimir Grabovac, the owner of Biona, a company with products similar to hers, which she used to see as competition. She soon realised that was a good decision.
„He came to Donji Vakuf and talked about his experiences and the first point of our work was for me to read books. I did not get anything served on a plate, but my mentor gave me a task of reading different books and he tried to help me to discover myself, to find my ‘why’ which leads me”, Hamida recalls. „Then we tried to think of new names, which would reflect the ‘why’ and my butters.”
Both the mentor and the designer Ana Lukenda helped her to come up with the name Butteria and replace Bonsai – a name quickly thought of when the company was registering. This was also a symbolic name, after a tree that she and her husband have. The tree came a long way and it was damaged during traveling, but still survived, blossomed and lives in their home. Like the skills in shaping this tree, Hamida says she is careful in making the butters.
„That is how I make the butters – I handpick every fruit and it is like a special technique of making the butter. Large companies which make butters have special machines, and make 50 kg of butter in a few hours. I do everything manually. First I have to bake everything, and, for example, manually peel the hazelnut, after which I bake it, and when it gets cold, I bake it again to kill bacteria. Afterwards, I chop it and put it in the machine. It is not so simple, to just put into a blender and that is it,“ she explains, adding that for the cashew butter nothing else is added and it takes about o 6-7 hours of work of the stone mill.
Even though she is happy to see the work develop, she says that it is not easy to make it being a young entrepreneur and a woman taking care of a one-year-old son during the day.
„I would like for the business to grow so I can hire someone to work with me. Now I try to grab some time and work when the baby falls asleep, and I also finish other obligations”, Hamida says, adding that she thinks it is harder for women to achieve everything, both private and work tasks.
Even though she had and still has support from her family, she says that her experiences showed her that the society is not aware that women can run businesses on their own and that she senses that the general perception is that a safe job is a job in a company.
„When I started this, people used to ask me ‘Why are you doing this?’ First, the product I was making was unusual, and why was I initiating something here on my own, how am I going to do it, also while having a baby. But I thought, ‘I will make it’,” she says, emphasising how she was encouraged by her family to do what she loves, and that her example inspired a colleague to start her own business, by opening a cafeteria in Donji Vakuf.
„Whenever I am asked what it’s like, I say: 'Extremely hard, but if you want to, you’re going to make it',“ Hamida says. „I work an unsafe job, where one does not know what will happen, but for me there is some charm in this insecurity. Will I sell it? So, I tell myself ‘Come on, put more effort in it, call that shop, call another one’, and I fight. I think there is a greater feeling of fulfilment when you succeed that way.“
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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Story
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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Story
29 March 2022
Improving safety in a school for over 500 children and adults
Wailing of sirens coming from the firefighters' trucks and ambulances cars echoed through Kakanj, a small town in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their final destination was the local high school. On arrival, emergency response personnel met convoys of students and school staff exiting the school building. The peace on the faces of children and teachers unusual for this situation is the outcome of a carefully prepared Emergency Evacuation Exercise. The exercise is part of broader activities to improve safety in this school, attended by 433 students and employs 58 adults.
Bearing in mind that many people, primarily children, stay in school facilities during the day, schools carry high risks from the consequences of natural and other disasters.
However, it is not only the number of people who put this Kakanj school at the top of the list for intervention through the "Safe School Environment" project.
The school was built in 1968, consists of a ground floor and one floor, and has only one entrance/exit. Since its construction, the building has not been renovated, and the materials used in the construction of the school in the late 1970s are now considered harmful to people. The school also never had a plan for action in crisis or disaster.
This Kakanj school is one of many in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Brčko District (BD) facing the risks of natural disasters and catastrophes. During 2017 and 2018, World Vision BiH conducted a survey of school safety and preparedness for disasters caused by natural and other disasters in FBiH and BD. 724 schools participated in the research. The research concludes that only 10% of schools can be considered safe.
"There is no absolute safety, but we can reduce the risks faced by all those who stay in schools. Safe schools are constructed to code, their protection and rescue plans are updated, employees and students are educated on how to act in case of an accident, and they relate to local rescue services. In addition, school evacuation exercises are regularly conducted in these schools", said Sveto Đurđević, manager of the" Safe School Environment“ project.
Having in mind all the components of safe schools, Kakanj's Mixed Secondary School demanded urgent intervention, which was initiated within the project "Safe school environment". The project is implemented within the educational component of the joint program of the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations "Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina". Improving the safety of this Kakanj school contributes to disaster risk reduction for nearly 500 people who stay in the school building every day.
The basis for establishing safety in schools is Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (DRR). This plan list and analyzes risks, proposes risk reduction actions, guidelines for dealing with accidents, and mitigation of the consequences of the accident. Each school in BiH is legally obligated to create such a plan.
The school plan was prepared jointly by the school principal and teachers, representatives of the parents of the children attending the school, municipal services, the local red cross, and one NGO. Representatives of local services, including rescue teams, are one of the most important links in the preparation of the school plan for disaster risk reduction - firefighters, police officers, civil protection, health, and welfare centers representatives are the first to react in case of accidents and must be aware of the risks in their local environment.
"Everything that is being done through this project is an improvement for the school and the entire local community. This teamwork strengthens the school's connection with emergency rescue services, which is crucial in a crisis. All members of the school DRR team advocate in the local community and beyond, for stronger involvement of the relevant ministries and other institutions in strengthening the resilience of schools to natural and other disasters," says Zerina Sehagic, member of the Parents' Council school "Kemal Kapetanović Kakanj".
The risks and actions taken to reduce the risks are presented to teachers and school staff, as well as school students. In addition, staff and students learned how to behave in the event of an accident or disaster.
The evacuation exercise served as a practical test of the students' and schools staff's behavior in case of an accident and the responsiveness of the local rescue services.
In addition to the educational and demonstration segment, the project "Safe School Environment" finances interventions defined by the School Plan. According to the plan, the school building will get another exit, and the asbestos plates that are in direct contact with the external environment will be covered with a thermal facade. The school will also receive a smoke and fire alert system. At the same time, the system will sound the alarm to the school staff and pupils, and the local fire brigade.
Working on the cost estimate for the interventions defined by the plan, it quickly became evident that the funds provided by the project plan were not sufficient for the planned reconstruction. World Vision BiH has involved a broader team in fundraising and advocacy to support interventions at the local level. In this context, World Vision managed to provide additional funds donated by local socially responsible companies, and the necessary interventions will be carried out in full.
Sanja Kabil, The Education Specialist from UNICEF BiH underlines how UNICEF supports governments and schools worldwide, to improve policies and practices of disaster risk reduction. The schools must be safe places for all children, while the preparedness saves lives.
Activities in the school Kemal Kapetanović Kakanj, as well as in other schools involved in the project "Safe School Environment", are executed according to the World Vision's "Safe Schools" project model., as well as global model of “Comprehensive framework for school safety, and principles and guidelines for COVID’19 prevention in schools. So far, 39 primary and secondary schools in BiH implemented interventions according to this model.
The project is part of a joint program of the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations (UN) "Disaster Risk Reduction for Sustainable Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina", while jointly implemented by UNESCO, UNFPA, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF Bosnia and Herzegovina, and World Vision BiH.
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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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Press Release
02 June 2022
Meet the Youth Champions engaging in Social Media 4 Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Digital platforms including social media have proven to be critical in enabling inclusive and participatory dialogue. UNESCO’s project Social Media 4 Peace funded by the European Union, and UNESCO Antenna in Bosnia and Herzegovina have established cooperation with three experts passionate about digital communication and peacebuilding as Youth Champions.
Acting as voices of Youth, they will engage their social media community to raise awareness on the challenges in relation to freedom of expression online, how to contribute to the curbing of harmful content and promoting peace narratives on social media.
Meet the Youth Champions below!
Nikola Lero
“I hope that my participation to the Social Media 4 Peace project will open a space for a new wave of young digital creators from BiH who understand that peace is a crucial part of their culture”.
Nikola is a young writer, researcher, and journalist from Bosnia and Herzegovina (Facebook, Instagram). He has previously worked with several international organizations and media including the European Parliament, the OSCE, UNICEF and the Bosnian Youth Magazine. Nikola has won the Erasmus + Young Journalist Award in 2017 for spreading democratic values among young people and was nominated Best Blogger for promoting responsible use of social media. His motto “by engraving letters I search for the truth” is what made Nikola a writer with a broad community of followers on Facebook and Instagram. His online essays and poetry singled him out as a creative voice of young Bosnians and Herzgovinians, a community he wants to reach out more by engaging in UNESCO's Social Media 4 Peace project.
He is currently preparing the publication of his first collection of poetry as a member of the literary collective "Književna Zadruga".
Robert Dacešin
„I will use my community on social media to help raise awareness of young people in the country and help spread more peaceful messages.“
Travel aficionado, Robert enjoys to share his passion with his 160,000 followers on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, on his blog and his TV show. For his work in the promotion of his city, he has received a special reward from the mayor of Banja Luka and his video on the topic of “Why Bosnia and Herzegovina can be number 1 touristic destination in the world” has one the first prize on a world-famous Japanese film festival. He wrote four travel books, two of which are about his own country and places people can visit when they come to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Working in digital marketing, Robert will make the most of his communicator skills to engage his audience in the Social Media 4 Peace project.
His videos about his country, have generated more than 6 million views on YouTube so far and Robert believes that creating several more videos that would share positive message and stories, would promote the values of UNESCO's Social Media 4 Peace project.
Safet Kubat
“By joining the Social Media 4 Peace project, I want to create online safe spaces for communities and prevent destructive forces from dominating the social media environments.”
Third year PhD student at the University of Sarajevo and digital media manager, Safet is interested in the social media algorithm, technology, and media. Safet has gained experience in managing online platforms and promoting public health campaigns through digital channels for many years.
For over two years, he has been managing the Facebook group Rijeke Bosnia and Herzegovina with around 56,000 members which was declared the Champion of Environmental Protection in BiH in 2021 and is running again this year for the title. The Facebook group’s achievements include: 70,000 trees planted, over 77,000 fishes released into rivers, and over 3,000 cleaning actions performed. They have also published over 2,500 eco-tourism materials for promotion, with millions of views, and over 2 million comments.
The Facebook group is an example that social media can have positive and long-standing impacts. By motivating large numbers of people to take actions, Safet believes social media can widely spread peaceful and nonviolent narratives online.
More on the Social Media 4 Peace project:
Funded by the European Union, the project Social Media 4 Peace aims to strengthen the resilience of societies to potential harmful content spread online, in particular hate speech inciting to violence, while enhancing the promotion of peace through digital technologies, notably social media, in three pilot countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia and Kenya.
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Press Release
01 June 2022
UN House in Sarajevo hosts Consultations on Transforming Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The consultations aim to formulate the main priorities and future commitments in the education systems in BiH, to be presented during the Transforming Education Summit, convened by the United Nations Secretary-General in September in New York.
There is a growing need globally to transforming education after disruptions in education caused by COVID-19, which further deepened the inequalities in education.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald, noted: “COVID-19 disrupted education globally, profoundly impacting children, parents and teachers in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Yet, it also presents a once in a generation opportunity to re-build education systems to be more inclusive and more sustainable, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The upcoming Transforming Education Summit will bring together world leaders in New York to mobilize forward looking action, ambition, solidarity and solutions needed to transform education systems. This ambitious reinvigoration is critical if we are to achieve the SDG commitments under Agenda2030. Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the first countries to recognize the need to Reimagine Education, and acted swiftly with the support of the United Nations Secretary General’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund together with UNESCO, UNICEF and ILO. We have made an important start. The United Nations is proud to continue these efforts to ensure that every child has access to quality education and no child is left behind in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
National consultations in BiH will serve to undertake commitments on reimagining education, to help recover pandemic-related learning losses, and revitalize efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by 2030.
“UNESCO has been working for 75 years to build a fairer, more inclusive, sustainable, healthy world through education. Regrettably, the lessons learned have not prepared us for the challenges we face today. That is why we need education which is responsive to changes, but also changing the perception of education at the same time”, Ms. Ankica Gudeljević, the Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina said in her address, noting that all Ministers of Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered to exchange views on the important issues and translate that discussion into guidelines, goals and measures for joint further action for the future of the education sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the month of June, two more consultative meetings are to take place with representatives of civil society organisations and academia, as well as young people – whose voice will be in focus during the Global Summit on Transforming Education in September.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
15 December 2021
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