United Nations urge full implementation of disability rights and inclusive policies across Bosnia and Herzegovina

This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” underscores the importance of building inclusive societies where persons with disabilities can fully participate. There are 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, while, according to the 2013 Census data, approximately 8.33 per cent of BiH’s population lives with some form of disability. The full and equitable participation of persons with disabilities in political, social, economic and cultural life is not only a human rights obligation but also a cornerstone of a fair and inclusive society.

Inclusive employment and decent work for persons with disabilities must be a shared priority across public institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Employment enables independence, autonomy, and participation in society, and ensures that persons with disabilities can contribute to the economy and benefit equally. We urge employers, particularly in the private sector, to expand opportunities, adopt inclusive recruitment and retention practices, and invest in accessible workplaces. The United Nations will continue strengthening its own practices as a fully inclusive employer by removing physical, informational, and digital barriers and creating an enabling work environment.

The United Nations calls on authorities at all levels to implement Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international human rights obligations and commitments as well as domestic legislation that prohibits discrimination and promotes equality, including the anti-discrimination law, and the law on gender equality. We also call on authorities to harmonize and improve any laws and policies relevant to the rights of persons with disabilities. The fourth Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina gave rise to 19 recommendations to strengthen disability inclusion, ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, social, and cultural life, and address discrimination in education, employment, health care, and social protection.  

Progress requires that the priorities of organizations of persons with disabilities guide action. These priorities, some of them highlighted at the Third Congress of Persons with Disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the call for expanded access to assistive technologies, must shape policy and practice. Strengthened partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities, participatory approaches, and continuous multi-stakeholder dialogues are essential to ensuring that the implementation of SDG commitments is inclusive and fulfills the rights of persons with disabilities.

The United Nations urges all institutions, service providers, and community actors to recognize and address the intersectional discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities – especially women, children, Roma, and LGBTIQ+ persons. Discrimination limits access to education, healthcare, employment, public services, as well as participation in cultural life and recreational activities, and increases exclusion and the risk of abuse.  Inclusion is not charity but an imperative, as well as smart, sustainable development.

Adequate financial support for families with children is essential to prevent poverty, expand high-quality community-based services, and reduce the institutionalization of persons with disabilities. Particular attention must be paid to preventing discrimination and violence against children with disabilities, including introducing strong anti-discrimination policies, accessible complaint mechanisms, and robust child protection systems. 

Breaking patterns of exclusion requires applying inclusive approaches, adopting and enforcing human rights–based policies, and ensuring that information and services are accessible to all.  The United Nations will continue integrating these principles into its own work and calls on partners to do the same – advancing efforts to reduce inequalities and secure equitable access for all. Through its Disability Inclusion Working Group, the United Nations remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting its human rights obligations, including in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, and its Leaving No One Behind Principle, and as a result of its Universal Periodic Review. We will continue providing technical assistance, supporting inclusive policies and practices, facilitating multisector and multistakeholder dialogue, and building capacities to uphold these standards. 

We call on everyone – government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and citizens – to prioritize inclusion, accessibility, and dignity.

UN BiH Resident Coordinator on behalf of United Nations Country Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina