39 participants from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, representing local authorities and civil society organisations, improved their knowledge and practical skills on how to integrate human rights perspectives in their everyday work, in local policies and services.

They took part in a three-day workshop titled “Human rights in our communities: the role of local and regional authorities”, held from 12 to 14 November in Banja Luka. This was an opportunity to share good practices tested in other countries and regions, and discuss challenges related to countering discrimination, access to free legal aid, protection of people in situation of vulnerability, and the right to a healthy environment.

Opening the event, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo Bojana Urumova said that local authorities and civil society are at the heart of the Council of Europe’s mission to advance human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. “These values truly matter if we make sure that people can see them and feel them in everyday life - in communities, in public services, and in local decision-making,” she added.

Gudrun Mosler-Törnström, Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, underlined the essential role of local governance in this field:

“The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities is committed to promoting and protecting human rights at the local level. Because democracy without human rights is incomplete - and human rights without democratic participation remain only an aspiration. Local and regional authorities have a unique and irreplaceable role in this mission.”

The workshop combined thematic sessions and practical exercises. It builds on the commitment of local authorities to advance good governance and human rights in line with the principles for democracy adopted by the heads of state and governments of the Council of Europe at their summit in Reykjavik in 2023. These principles, among others, call for greater participation and investment in a democratic future by ensuring that everyone can play their role in democratic processes.

The workshop was implemented as part of the project “Strengthening democratic innovations and promoting human rights at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented by the Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.