High Commissioner on National Minorities encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue with reforms to secure representation and inclusion of national minorities

During his first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 6 to 8 April 2022, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Kairat Abdrakhmanov encouraged the authorities to continue implementing reforms that can secure the representation and participation of national minorities in all spheres of life.

The High Commissioner welcomed the respect for multiculturalism and multiconfessionalism he saw in the country. In particular, he learned about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s policy towards managing diversity and encouraged efforts to continue building the resilience of the country’s diverse society.

The High Commissioner also met national minority representatives from the state and entity Councils of National Minorities to hear their views on matters involving national minorities and how their representative bodies are functioning. In addition, representatives of national minorities informed the High Commissioner of their aspirations for shaping the country’s inclusive society.

Abdrakhmanov met Foreign Minister Bisera Turković, members of the Parliamentary Assembly Joint Committee on Human Rights, the Inter-Agency Working Group for Amendments and Supplements to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Election Law, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, President of Republika Srpska Željka Cvijanović, and other state and entity institutions.

In his meetings, the High Commissioner discussed positive practices in strengthening inclusive societies. He emphasized the importance of promoting the participation of national minorities in public, political and socio-economic life and providing opportunities for inclusive education.

 “It continues to be important for all public officials and institutions to respect everyone, regardless of religious, cultural or ethnic affiliation. Each individual has many diverging identities, all of which must be respected and nurtured,” he said.