Bosnia-Herzegovina

A number of human rights defenders in Bosnia-Herzegovina have been subjected to threats and intimidation. There has been at least one case of the killing of a HRD. NGOs investigating and calling for prosecution for war crimes as well as those investigating corruption are the main targets however, LGBT HRDs have also increasingly begun to fear for their safety. While there have been no reported physical attacks on LGBT HRDs, threats on websites and in emails as well as acts of direct intimidation in the streets have begun to increase. One LGBT group were forced to move offices as a result of these threats.

Investigation of crimes committed during the 1992-95 war is ongoing and trials continue to be heard in the cantonal courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and district courts in Republika Srpka. However, it is reported that these trials are being impeded by a serious lack of political will resulting in under- resourcing, lack of adequately trained staff, poor coordination mechanisms and a lack of an adequate witness protection scheme. Given the high political tensions that prevail in a post-conflict society such as Bosnia, trials which are perceived as fair and efficient are essential for the creation of an enabling environment for human rights activities in the country.

The UN SRSG in her 2006 report on the situation of human rights defenders expressed regret that she had not received sufficient information to offer a description of the human rights defenders community in Bosnia-Herzegovina and that the Government had not responded to her requests for information. “Lack of information is a concern because a comprehensive assessment cannot be made, and may indicate that human rights defenders have difficulty or lack of capacity to communicate,” she stated. She also expressed concern at the lack of any communication channels between the Government and the NGO community sector.

Front Line carried out a country visit to Bosnia in August 2007.