UPR 48 Session of the Human Rights Council
Statement Norway
on the human rights situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina,
delivered by Ms Jannicke GRAATRUD Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations.
Check against delivery
29 January 2025
President,
Norway thanks the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for its report and welcomes positive steps taken, including adoption of the LGBTI action plan. However, some concerns remain.
Norway recommends that Bosnia and Herzegovina:
1. Respects the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly and ensures the protection of human rights defenders, journalists, and whistleblowers from intimidation, harassment and attacks.
2. Abandons restrictive laws and measures targeting civil society, such as the criminalization of defamation and “foreign agent” legislation.
3. Ensures free and fair elections by providing sufficient and timely financing and implementation of measures improving their integrity.
4. Strengthens women’s rights and combats domestic violence by ensuring full alignment with the Istanbul Convention.
5. Protects the rights of LGBT+ persons including from hate crimes by fully implementing the LGBTI action plan and recognising same sex marriage.
Thank you.