Introduction to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Rights Trends
In March 2024, the European Council took a significant leap by agreeing to commence EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). However, this pivotal move was unlinked to the execution of European Court of Human Rights rulings addressing discrimination against minorities such as Jews and Roma. Consequently, BiH authorities have only made minimal progress in resolving crucial rights issues like femicide and accountability for war crimes.
Challenges of Discrimination and Intolerance
During its 2024 review, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) highlighted the struggles faced by displaced individuals returning to their pre-war homes. The committee voiced serious concerns over hate speech, physical assaults, and employment discrimination targeting returning refugees and the Roma community. With only 0 convictions out of 19 ongoing hate crime trials noted by the OSCE, many incidents remain unreported, attributed to fears of retaliation and distrust in the justice system.
The Plight of People with Disabilities
A report from the BiH Ombudsman revealed unsettling violations of rights among disabled individuals within institutions, marking arbitrary restrictions on their movement. Despite calls for reform, Bosnia and Herzegovina still lags behind in aligning its laws concerning disability rights with international standards, leaving many individuals without adequate protections.
War Crimes Accountability Stalled
Prosecutions for war crimes in local BiH courts have seen stagnation, with the deadline to implement a Revised National War Crimes Strategy extended until 2025. As of September 2024, the OSCE reported 226 cases pending in BiH courts, with minimal first-instance judgments and ongoing issues addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Amendments to laws were made in May to support children born of wartime rape, yet legal frameworks remain inconsistent across the country.
Migrants and Asylum Seekers
Bosnia and Herzegovina, through a bilateral agreement with Croatia, accepted over 4,200 third-country nationals in 2023, emphasizing its limited and often ineffective asylum system. With many asylum seekers enduring inadequate reception conditions, issues arise that can lead to forced returns, illustrating the struggles within BiH’s migration management.
Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Abuse
Gender-based violence is a pressing issue, notably against women with disabilities. Highlighted cases of femicide in 2024 reflected systemic failures to protect victims. While a new strategy aimed at combating domestic violence was introduced in June, the Republika Srpska faced backlash against proposed legislation aimed at preventing gender-based violence, illustrating the contention surrounding women’s rights in the region.
LGBTQ+ Rights Under Threat
Attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals persist, particularly in Republika Srpska, where accountability is glaringly absent. Following a 2023 assault on activists, no events supporting LGBTQ+ rights have occurred in the region. However, BiH inaugurated its first shelter for LGBTQ+ individuals in April, offering a sanctuary for victims of hate crimes amid a landscape of discrimination and hostility.
State of Media Freedom
Within Bosnia and Herzegovina, journalists frequently encounter threats and pressures that impede their ability to report freely. Earlier in January 2024, the BiH Constitutional Court upheld defamation laws, allowing for continued challenges against press freedoms in Republika Srpska, showcasing the difficult terrain for independent media.
Environmental Justice and Human Rights
In a significant court ruling in July 2024, the construction of a new coal-fired power plant in Republika Srpska faced yet another suspension, illustrating ongoing environmental concerns. Meanwhile, the decommissioning of a coke-production facility in Zenica marked a triumph for environmental activists, enhancing air quality and highlighting the intersection of ecological and human rights issues.
Bosnia and Herzegovina faces significant human rights challenges, including discrimination against minorities, slow progress in war crimes accountability, and systemic issues in caring for individuals with disabilities. Gender-based violence remains high, with insufficient legal protections, while LGBTQ+ communities experience hostility, emphasizing the need for continued support and reform. Environmental issues also intersect with human rights, showcasing a complex landscape in BiH.
In conclusion, Bosnia and Herzegovina faces numerous human rights challenges, including systemic discrimination, inadequate support for marginalized groups, and slow legal accountability for war crimes. Despite some progress in areas like LGBTQ+ rights and environmental justice, significant work remains to protect the rights of all citizens and ensure their safety and dignity. The international community must continue to advocate for the necessary reforms and support effective governance. Quotes: No direct quotes were identified in the original text. **Key Highlights:** – EU opened accession negotiations without requiring rights improvements. – UN CERD revealed significant discrimination against refugees and Roma. – War crime prosecutions are stagnating, with 226 cases pending. – Gender-based violence remains rampant, with new strategies introduced but facing opposition. – LGBTQ+ rights activists still confront violent hostility, but first shelter opens in April.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
