Strengthening partnerships against hate speech: a new initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The first Steering Committee meeting of the project “Partnerships for Equality: No to Hate Speech and Divisive Narratives in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was held at the UN house in Sarajevo, marking the official start of the implementation of this initiative.

This is a new, three-year initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), aimed at strengthening coordinated responses to hate speech, divisive narratives and disinformation, key challenges that undermine social cohesion and democratic dialogue in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The initiative is jointly implemented by UNESCO, UNDP and UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in close cooperation with other institutions, media and civil society organizations. Its objective is to reduce tolerance for hate speech, improve public discourse and strengthen trust among communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Steering Committee, co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Arnhild Spence, and the Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Forto, plays an important role in providing strategic guidance and overseeing implementation, ensuring an inclusive and coordinated approach to addressing hate speech and divisive narratives.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina Arnhild Spence emphasized: 

“The relevance of countering hate speech lies in its contribution to conflict prevention. Strong partnerships are therefore essential, particularly the strong domestic ownership involving the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, civil society and the international community, in order to ensure both effective implementation and sustained institutional ownership of the initiative.”

Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Forto, expressed his appreciation to the Peacebuilding Fund for its support to this important issue, highlighting the importance of a joint approach and institutional leadership: 

“Institutions have a key responsibility in shaping public space and communication standards. Strengthening cooperation between institutions, media and civil society is essential to counter hate speech and build trust. This initiative provides a framework for long-term, coordinated action in this area.”

Civil society representatives also highlighted the importance of collaboration and a broader approach to digital spaces. Executive Director of Mediacentar, Maida Muminović, attended the meeting on behalf of the Coalition for Freedom of Expression and Content Moderation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which brings together institutions, technology companies, social media platforms and civil society organizations, and works to strengthen cooperation to ensure a safe and responsible online environment for all citizens. The Coalition’s participation in this initiative will further contribute to developing coordinated and long-term solutions to counter hate speech and divisive narratives.

The initiative will focus on four key pillars: strengthening institutional capacities and policy coordination; responsible media and digital spaces; inclusive dialogue and community engagement; and youth and civil society empowerment.

It also places special emphasis on the gender dimension of hate speech, recognizing that women, particularly in public and political life, as well as journalists and activists, are often targeted by gender-based attacks, online harassment and disinformation campaigns. The initiative integrates gender-responsive approaches across all components.

The meeting was attended by members of the Steering Committee, which, in addition to UN agencies and the ministry implementing the project includes other key stakeholders from institutions and civil society, as well as by the Ambassador of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gabriele Derighetti, and other partners.

During the meeting, the project, its objectives, the 2026 workplan and governance structure were presented, after which the Steering Committee adopted the workplan and defined the next steps.