Human rights

A visitor at the OSCE supported public presentation of the 'On the margins' photo-exhibition by the Post-Conflict Research Center (PCRC); 28 June 2018 (OSCE/Sanin Muftic) Photo details

The Mission works to advance understanding of and respect for human rights. It works with public officials at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as representatives of civil society, human rights defenders, religious communities and journalists, on a range of human rights topics relevant to the BiH’s international human rights commitments. Activities are focused on right to non-discrimination, economic and social rights, rights of Roma and other minorities, persons and groups in situations of vulnerability, support to the Ombudsman Institution, and promotion of fundamental freedoms – freedom of assembly, association, expression, media and freedom of religion or belief.

In order to ensure that human rights policies and practices are in place to protect all persons in the country, the Mission works together with duty-bearers and rights-holders to improve the protection and promotion of human rights.

Mixed migration flows also continue to pose security challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Mission conducted a needs assessment of the migrant and refugee situation in the country during the first half of 2018. The purpose of this assessment was to: raise awareness of existing gaps in the governmental and non-governmental actors’ response; improve co-ordination among the various stakeholders' response; promote a human rights-based response; and ensure protection for the most vulnerable groups.

In carrying out its assessment, the Mission capitalized on its extensive field presence and mandate to monitor the human rights situation, as well as its wide ranging partnerships with the local counterparts throughout the country.

The Mission will continue to monitor the situation and co-ordinate its activities with all relevant UN and other international organizations, as well as domestic institutions.