Publication
UN Country Team submission for the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina
09 December 2024
- This submission highlights some of the main human rights issues identified by the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the State’s third Universal Periodic Review (UPR). While not providing an exhaustive assessment, it highlights outstanding challenges and emerging trends, and proposes recommendations.
- The UNCT notes an overall lack of progress in implementing recommendations from the previous review. The abolition of the death penalty in Republika Srpska and the establishment by law of a National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) are among the few recommendations that were implemented.
- A deterioration of the environment due to prevailing identity-based politics has undermined the protection of human rights. This includes highly divisive rhetoric by some political leaders, threats of secession in Republika Srpska, the further erosion of civic space in that entity, continued obstacles to truth, justice, and reparation, entrenched discrimination on various grounds, and persistent hurdles to strengthen the rule of law and address corruption.
- In March 2024, the European Union decided to open negotiations for the State’s accession. Most priorities for accession coincide with UPR recommendations, including strengthening the rule of law, ensuring equality and non-discrimination for all, protecting civic space, and creating an environment conducive to reconciliation.
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