At a glance 

The project supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in combating hate speech and discrimination, particularly on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, while promoting social cohesion, inclusion and diversity.

It supports the alignment and effective implementation of national laws and policies with European standards, building on recommendations of ECRI and the Advisory Committee of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities.

Working with public authorities and influential non-state actors, including religious communities, the project strengthens cooperation and supports policy and legislative processes, complementing the Horizontal Facility actions “Towards an equal, inclusive and tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina” and “Promoting equality and combating racism and intolerance in the Western Balkans”.

 Funding 

This project is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026-2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.

 Duration 

01 January 2026 - 31 December 2027

What are the goals and objectives of the action?

The project aims to strengthen the capacities of government institutions, other public authorities and non-state partners to combat hate speech, in line with the Roadmap on combating hate speech and future relevant frameworks.

It also supports authorities and partners in improving the situation of LGBTI people, in accordance with the LGBTI Action Plan and related policy frameworks.

In addition, the project enhances the ability of state, entity, local and non-state actors to counter intolerance, hatred and racism, and to promote an intercultural inclusion approach across communities and institutions, including in the education sector.

Who benefits from the action?

The project benefits vulnerable groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are often exposed to hate speech, hate crime, racism and discrimination, including LGBTI persons, Roma and Jewish communities, migrants and people on the move, and persons with disabilities. It also supports civil society organisations, local governments, schools, educators and pupils.

The project works with key institutions and stakeholders, including human rights and gender equality authorities, law enforcement, the Human Rights Ombudsman Institution, local governments, schools, religious organisations, youth, civil society and the general public, to strengthen prevention, protection and inclusive responses.

How does the action work?

The project combines targeted support, practical cooperation and exchanges to strengthen responses to hate speech, discrimination and intolerance across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It provides capacity building and expert support to relevant authorities and partners to combat hate speech, including analytical, policy and legal assistance where needed. Local authorities and/or civil society organisations are supported through grants and joint initiatives, helping them develop and implement concrete actions to address hatred and intolerance at local level.

The project also strengthens responses to discrimination against LGBTI people by providing tailored capacity building and policy support to relevant stakeholders, alongside grants and joint initiatives that reinforce the ability of local authorities and civil society to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTI persons.

In addition, the action fosters dialogue and exchange on diversity, inclusion, hatred and racism among a wide range of actors, including religious and education stakeholders. It supports local authorities through training, expert guidance and peer learning to develop and implement intercultural inclusion policies, and to strengthen multilevel co-ordination using Intercultural Cities (ICC) tools and methodologies.

What do we expect to achieve?

Upon completion of the project, people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to benefit from stronger protection against discrimination and hatred, as well as improved intercultural inclusion and social cohesion, in line with European standards.

Relevant state, entity and local authorities, together with key non-state stakeholders, are expected to respond more effectively to discrimination, intolerance, racism and hate, and to apply inclusive approaches that strengthen social cohesion.

What is the budget of the action?

The total budget of the action is 800,000 EUR.

Reference documents:

   Recommendations of ECRI Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (sixth monitoring cycle), published in June 2024

 Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities - Fifth opinion on Bosnia and Herzegovina (published June 2024)

 ECRI General Policy Recommendations:

• n°2 (revised) on Equality Bodies to combat racism and intolerance at national level
• n°7 (revised) on national legislation to combat racism and racial discrimination
• n°11 on combating racism and racial discrimination in policing
• n° 15 on combating hate speech
• n° 17 on preventing and combating intolerance and discrimination against LGBTI persons

 CM/Rec(2025)7 - Recommendation on equal rights for intersex persons

 CM/Rec(2024)4 - Recommendation on combating hate crime

 CM/Rec(2022)16 - Recommendation on combating hate speech

 CM/Rec(2022)10 - Recommendation on multilevel policies and governance for intercultural integration

 CM/Rec(2015)1 - Recommendation on intercultural integration

 CM/Rec(2010)5 - Recommendation on measures to combat discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity