The Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD) has released its 2024 report on the civil society environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges. The report will be presented at a conference in Banja Luka on October 29, focusing on the hurdles faced by civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists.
Key Takeaways
- The civil society environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina is partially supportive, allowing for registration and operation of CSOs with some freedoms.
- Challenges persist, including government interference, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and issues with freedom of expression.
- The report emphasizes the need for legal harmonization and improved financial sustainability for CSOs.
Overview of the Report Findings
The report outlines several key findings regarding the civil society landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
- Legal Framework: While the legal regulations concerning freedom of association are not fully harmonized, they still meet certain standards that support an enabling environment for CSOs.
- Anti-Money Laundering Law: The updated law on anti-money laundering and financing terrorism, adopted in 2024, has removed Non-Profit Organizations from the list of obligers.
- Freedom of Assembly: A significant concern highlighted is the violation of the fundamental right to peaceful assembly, often hindered by hooliganism and a lack of institutional protection for activists.
- Public Funding: The report points out that the mechanisms for distributing public funds to CSOs are weak, particularly in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), where the process is often seen as non-transparent and politically motivated.
- Government Strategy: The Council of Ministers is working on a new strategy for the development of an enabling environment for civil society, expected to be adopted in 2024.
- Involvement in Lawmaking: CSOs’ involvement in the development of laws and strategic documents remains inconsistent, with improvements needed in public consultation processes.
Recommendations for Improvement
The report provides several recommendations aimed at enhancing the civil society environment:
- Legal Harmonization: There is a pressing need to harmonize legal norms and standardize the rights of organizations across all levels of government.
- Protection of Activists: A zero-tolerance policy should be established against threats to the rights and freedoms of activists, particularly regarding violence stemming from the exercise of basic rights.
- Increased Civil Society Involvement: To prevent the narrowing of civil space, broader involvement of civil society in discussions about laws affecting NGOs is essential.
- Transparent Grant Distribution: Public institutions responsible for grant distribution must establish clear criteria and mechanisms to ensure transparency.
- Mandatory Participation in EU Integration: CSOs should be mandatorily included in the consultation processes related to the Strategy for the Development of an Enabling Environment for the Non-Governmental Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Conclusion
The CPCD’s 2024 report serves as a crucial resource for understanding the current state of civil society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It not only highlights the progress made but also underscores the significant challenges that remain. The upcoming conference in Banja Luka will provide a platform for further discussion and action on these pressing issues.
Sources
- CPCD Publishes 2024 Report on the Civil Society Environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina – BCSDN, Balkan Civil Society Development Network.
