OSCE Mission to BiH 🇧🇦

Today in #Kakanj, we marked the #WorldDayforCulturalDiversity for Dialogue and Development by considering diversity as a source of strength that fosters dialogue, trust and community cohesion. Young people, civil society organizations, schools and citizens attended the event dedicated to cultural diversity through preserving traditions and sharing experiences. “Diversity is something we build upon to strengthen trust, inclusion and stronger communities,” said Head of Field Office Travnik #OSCEBiH Magdalena Stanczyk.

Great meeting with Sam Green and Francois Hernandez of the U.S. @HelsinkiComm staff. Good to hear about the continued interest and support of the United States Congress for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s future and stability. Stressed the importance of ensuring the integrity of this October’s elections here in BiH.

Ambasador Holtzapple sastao se danas s predstavnicama Institucije ombudsmana za ljudska prava BiH, ombudsmankama Nives Jukić i Jasminkom Džumhur, kako bi razgovarali o ključnim nalazima Godišnjeg izvještaja Institucije za 2025. godinu i prioritetima za naredni period. Razgovarali su o izazovima u vezi sa slobodom udruživanja, rastućim brojem pritužbi u oblasti ekonomskih i socijalnih prava, važnosti zaštite ličnih podataka i pristupa javnim informacijama, kao i rizicima od povećanog govora mržnje tokom izborne godine i njegovim uticajem na ranjive grupe. Misija u potpunosti podržava mandat i rad Institucije i cijeni dugogodišnju saradnju između naše dvije institucije. Radujemo se nastavku saradnje dok obje organizacije obilježavaju 30. godišnjicu postojanja. ----------------- Ambassador Holtzapple met today with representatives of the BiH Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman, ombudspersons Nives Jukić and Jasminka Džumhur, to discuss key findings of the Institution’s 2025 Annual Report and priorities for the upcoming period. Discussions focused on concerns related to freedom of association, the growing number of complaints in the field of economic and social rights, the importance of personal data protection and access to public information, as well as risks of increased hate speech during the election year and its impact on vulnerable groups. The Mission fully supports the mandate and work of the Institution and values the long-standing co-operation between the two institutions. Looking forward to continued co-operation as both organizations mark their 30th anniversary.

“𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐄 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 - 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞.” — Mira Pekić, member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina Through co-operation with the OSCE, documents were developed that gave women more than just space for participation - they gave them a place in decision-making processes. From the Women’s Forum statute to concrete rules on women’s representation in political bodies and electoral lists, this cooperation turned principles into practice. Because equality does not begin with statements. It begins with rules that change how decisions are made. Today, 30 years later, it is clear: democracy is stronger when women participate equally in shaping it. #OSCEBiH #30Years #WomenInPolitics #Democracy #BosniaAndHerzegovina #Cooperation

𝐈𝐳𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐜̌𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐦 Danas smo u Maglaju, u okviru projekta „Možemo bolje“, zajedno s lokalnim vlastima, civilnim društvom i međunarodnim partnerima, održali radionicu Dijalog o društvenoj koheziji. Kroz otvorenu diskusiju i grupni rad, učesnici su podijelili pozitivna iskustva u zajednici, identificirali ključne izazove i razvili prijedloge inicijativa brzog učinka usmjerene na jačanje povjerenja, saradnje i društvene kohezije. Aktivnost je organizirana u okviru projekta “Možemo bolje”, koji finansira Evropska unija, a zajednički provode @eubih, @UN_BiH, @oscebih i @CoE_Sarajevo.

𝐈𝐳𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐜̌𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐦 Danas smo u Jajcu, u okviru projekta „Možemo bolje“, zajedno s lokalnim vlastima, civilnim društvom i međunarodnim partnerima, održali radionicu Dijalog o društvenoj koheziji. Kroz otvorenu diskusiju i grupni rad, učesnici su podijelili pozitivna iskustva u zajednici, identificirali ključne izazove i razvili prijedloge inicijativa brzog učinka usmjerene na jačanje povjerenja, saradnje i društvene kohezije. Aktivnost je organizirana u okviru projekta “Možemo bolje”, koji finansira Evropska unija, a zajednički provode @eubih, @UN_BiH, @oscebih i @CoE_Sarajevo.

Na Dan pobjede, Misija OSCE-a u Bosni i Hercegovini odaje počast svima koji su se borili protiv fašizma. Njihova žrtva podsjeća nas na važnost očuvanja mira, ljudskog dostojanstva, dijaloga i saradnje u izgradnji sigurne i inkluzivne budućnosti. Zajedno sa institucijama, civilnim društvom i zajednicama širom Bosne i Hercegovine, Misija OSCE-a u BiH ostaje posvećena jačanju povjerenja i stabilnosti za sve. --- On the Victory Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina honors the memory of all those who fought against fascism. Their sacrifice reminds us of the importance of upholding peace, human dignity, dialogue, and co-operation in shaping a secure and inclusive future. Together with institutions, civil society, and communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE Mission to BiH remains dedicated to fostering trust and stability for all.

Ahead of the 2026 elections, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is undertaking many key initiatives which aim at strengthening the integrity and transparency of the elections and supporting the work of the CEC. The Mission also remains one of the key supporters of the right of women to run for elections and implements a number of programs aimed at enhancing the role of women in political life. As part of these efforts, the Mission convened a meeting with women politicians from across the political spectrum on 7 May 2026 in Sarajevo, on the day of the calling of the 2026 General Elections. The meeting aimed: • To reaffirm political commitment to the Principles for Political Engagement for the Elimination of Violence against Women • To reinforce support for priority measures including legislative changes to improve the institutional efficiency in response to violence against women, • To provide a structured platform for women politicians, including young women, to articulate key messages and concerns ahead of 2026 electoral cycle. The meeting focused on the role of political parties in ensuring zero tolerance for violence, advancing equality of men and women, and supporting meaningful women’s participation in decision-making. It also addressed key legislative and institutional measures, with particular attention to barriers faced by young women in politics.

𝐈𝐳𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐣𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐜̌𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐦 Danas smo u Jablanici, u okviru projekta „Možemo bolje“, zajedno s lokalnim vlastima, civilnim društvom i međunarodnim partnerima, održali radionicu Dijalog o društvenoj koheziji. Kroz otvorenu diskusiju i grupni rad, učesnici su podijelili pozitivna iskustva u zajednici, identificirali ključne izazove i razvili prijedloge inicijativa brzog učinka usmjerene na jačanje povjerenja, saradnje i društvene kohezije. Aktivnost je organizirana u okviru projekta “Možemo bolje”, koji finansira Evropska unija, a zajednički provode @eubih, @UN_BiH, @oscebih i @CoE_Sarajevo.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐄 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐳𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚 – 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬.” — Žaneta Džumhur, Assistant Director for Curricula, Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of Canton Sarajevo From preparation and advocacy to working with schools and decision-makers – a partnership that has helped align the education system with international standards. But the co-operation does not stop there. Through its support to curriculum development, the OSCE has contributed to one of the most significant efforts to modernize education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These were not just projects. They were the foundations of a system that responds to the demands of a changing world. Today, 30 years later, it is clear: quality education does not happen by chance — it is built through knowledge, partnership, and continuity. #OSCEBiH #30Years #QualityEducation #PISA #BiH “𝐎𝐒𝐂𝐄 𝐣𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐮𝐳̌𝐢𝐨 𝐯𝐚𝐳̌𝐧𝐮 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐬̌𝐤𝐮 𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐇 𝐩𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐯𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐀 𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐳̌𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐢 𝐳𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐜̌𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐯𝐨𝐣 𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐚 – 𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐤𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐬𝐮 𝐤𝐥𝐣𝐮𝐜̌𝐧𝐢 𝐝𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐬̌𝐚 𝐝𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐣𝐮 𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐞 𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐯𝐨 𝐳𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐮𝐳̌𝐮𝐣𝐮, 𝐮 𝐬𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐮 𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐦 𝐢 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚.” — Žaneta Džumhur, pomoćnik direktora za nastavne planove i programe, Institut za razvoj preduniverzitetskog obrazovanja Kantona Sarajevo Od pripreme i zagovaranja, do rada sa školama i donosiocima odluka – partnerstvo koje je omogućilo da se obrazovni sistem sagleda kroz međunarodne standarde. Ali tu se saradnja ne zaustavlja. Kroz podršku razvoju kurikuluma, OSCE je doprinio jednom od najozbiljnijih pokušaja modernizacije obrazovanja u Bosni i Hercegovini. To nisu bili samo projekti. To su bili temelji za sistem koji odgovara zahtjevima novog vremena. Danas, 30 godina kasnije, jasno je: kvalitet obrazovanja ne dolazi slučajno — on se gradi kroz znanje, partnerstvo i kontinuitet. #OSCEBiH #30godina #Obrazovanje #PISA #BiH

Ambasador Rick Holtzapple sastao se danas sa Sergeom Brammertzom, glavnim tužiteljem Međunarodnog rezidualnog mehanizma za krivične sudove, kako bi razgovarali o produbljivanju saradnje, unaprijedili regionalnu koordinaciju te proširili zajedničke napore u oblasti informisanja javnosti i odgovornosti. Opšta poruka je jasna - ne smiju postojati dalja odlaganja u ostvarivanju pravde za žrtve ratnih zločina. ------------- Ambassador Rick Holtzapple met today with Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. Clear alignment on the next steps: deepen co-operation, support regional co-ordination, and expand joint efforts on outreach and accountability. The overall message – there must be no further delays in justice for war crimes victims. @unirmct

“Choosing to work as a journalist is a serious and demanding commitment: one that carries responsibility and, at times, risk. But it is also a profession grounded in purpose: to seek the truth, hold those in positions of power accountable, and give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard”, stated Ambassador Rick Holtzapple addressing the panel discussion “Safety of journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina” held at Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo today.

.@OSCEBiH strongly condemns the recent femicide in Sarajevo and extends sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim. #EndVAW #NoExcuse #NemaIzgovora bih.osce.org/news/mission-b…