Situation of Human Rights Defenders: Bosnia and Herzegovina

In a nutshell

On 17 October 2024, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) will hold a multi-stakeholder meeting in Sarajevo to discuss the findings of its recent report on the situation of human rights defenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on ODIHR’s 2021 assessment visit to the country. The event will also provide a platform to discuss recommendations and possible ways forward for their implementation.

Participants

The meeting will have around 25 participants, including representatives of authorities on various levels, the Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and civil society actors. The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will also attend.

Participation is by invitation only.

Objectives

This event aims to provide a forum for dialogue between the authorities, civil society and other relevant stakeholders on addressing identified gaps and challenges in protecting human rights defenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In light of ODIHR’s assessment visit findings, the event will also seek to raise awareness of international standards for protecting human rights defenders and explore how to implement ODIHR’s recommendations in a gender-sensitive, inclusive, and sustainable way.

Mandate and background

This initiative aligns with ODIHR’s mandate to monitor the implementation of human dimension commitments by the OSCE participating States (Helsinki 1992, Budapest 1994, Oslo 1998, Maastricht 2003).

ODIHR has been conducting assessment visits to selected participating states to assess the situation of human rights defenders across the OSCE region. The aim is to identify gaps and challenges in protecting human rights defenders and good practices in the field. 

As part of its second assessment cycle, ODIHR undertook an assessment visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 14 to 28 November 2021. A country-specific assessment report summarised the findings of the visit and ODIHR’s recommendations.