Today was an important day for national minorities in BiH. Action titled “Strengthening the protection of national minorities in BiH” has been launched in Sarajevo’s Vijećnica gathering representatives of national minorities, representatives of relevant Ministries and representatives of institutions on State, Entity, Cantonal and Brčko levels, together with civil society organisations, international organisations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Today’s event provided a forum for discussion on issues relating to minority protection and promotion in BiH. Moreover the representatives of national minorities in BiH had an opportunity to discuss the status and position of national minorities in BiH with Ms Semiha Borovac, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees.
In the following year, the Action will support the authorities in enhancing the rights of persons belonging to national minorities in BiH by strengthening institutional coordination among the relevant stakeholders in minority fields and increasing their capacities. It will also raise awareness of promotion and protection of minority rights in BiH, which will also be implemented by the local government themselves.
The overall objective of the Action, which is part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme titled “Horizontal Facility for Western Balkans and Turkey", is to enhance protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities in BiH, in line with the European standards.
