Bosnia and Herzegovina: Act urgently to reverse deterioration of civic space and strengthen social cohesion, says UN expert

“Since the end of the 1992-1995 conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina, almost 30 years ago, meaningful progress has been made towards transitioning to a peaceful society,” Voule said in a statement at the end of a nine-day official visit to the country. “However, Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to endure the legacy of the deeply ethnically divisive armed conflict, marred by war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.”

He said a fragmented and identity-based governance system and divisive politics have entrenched discrimination and restricted free and meaningful inclusion and participation.

“This has undermined the achievements made in the past 30 years,” the expert said. “The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, which are cornerstones for democracy, reconciliation and peace-building, are not sufficiently guaranteed and protected with relevant legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, nor in practice in many of its jurisdictions.”

Voule called on authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to overcome their differences to protect the rights of everyone across the country. They must work together to reverse the dangerous trend of restrictive laws and practices, which are undermining the rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and the fundamental right of participation, the expert noted.

“I am especially concerned by the proliferation of restrictive laws and bills in Republika Srpska related to the freedom of association, opinion and expression, and peaceful assembly,” Voule said.

He specifically referred to the re-criminalisation of defamation and the Draft law on the Special Registry and Transparency of the Work of Non-Profit Organisations (referred to as a ‘Foreign Agents Law’) as serious threats to civic space that should be withdrawn.

“I have also observed a tense political climate, and highly divisive narratives by some political leaders, including hate speech and revisionism,” the Special Rapporteur said. “Such narratives contribute to a hostile climate for constructive criticism and dissent and are a threat to democracy and to persons and communities targeted because of their ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation or non-affiliation.”   

Voule said the deterioration of civic participation, including the lack of opportunities to positively influence the future of their country, has been pushing people, notably youth, to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina in large numbers.

The Special Rapporteur will submit a report on his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Human Rights Council in June 2025.