The OSCE Mission's Call to Action Echoes Across Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Week of Tolerance

The OSCE Mission to BiH marked the Week of Tolerance. (OSCE) Photo details

From 14 November to 7 December 2023, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized more than a dozen activities across BiH aiming to address and combat hate-motivated incidents while emphasizing the importance of social cohesion. These events included workshops, roundtables, presentations, and radio shows aimed at addressing and combatting hate-motivated incidents while emphasizing the significance of social cohesion.

These events, which drew over 100 representatives from local authorities, law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations, were designed to familiarize participants with the various aspects of hate-motivated incidents, their implications for community relations, monitoring and reporting, and the critical importance of condemning and responding to such acts.

"The Mission works with authorities, police and civil society at all levels to address all forms of hate related incidents. However, the primary responsibility to react lies with the authorities. We call upon authorities on all levels to take necessary steps in institutionalizing this issue and strategically commit to primarily prevention of such occurrences by engaging of all three pillars of governance," said Namik Hadžalić, National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH.

Hadžalić also emphasized the pivotal role of community members in standing against hate incidents. He emphasized the significance of public condemnation and support for victims. "In this way, communities at large send message to victims that they are not left behind, and at the same time send message to perpetrators that their actions are not welcomed in our society. Fact-based condemnations have positive impact on the community ultimately contribute to building cohesion among different groups. This is why we need to raise awareness and knowledge of BiH citizens about the legal framework that ensures protection of each individual or group characteristic."

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to addressing hate incidents and reinforcing social cohesion extends beyond the Week of Tolerance, constituting a broader initiative across the country.

Željka Šulc Bosnia and Herzegovina