BCSDN is joining the support for the Open Letter of Associations, Foundations and other CSO actors in Bosnia and Herzegovina, voicing concerns over the socio-political situation in the country.
BCSDN`s member CPCD has started this joint initiative with other CSOs and a campaign towards the international community, calls for the active involvement of civil society in the political and social decision-making processes and demands that talks and negotiations take place exclusively within B&H institutions.
You can access the Open Letter in English and in Local Language and support CSOs in BiH in their pledges for inclusive society.
The content of the open letter is integrally transmitted in the text below.
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OPEN LETTER OF ASSOCIATIONS, FOUNDATIONS AND OTHER CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
TO THE AUTHORITIES OF B&H;
TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY;
TO ALL PARTICIPANTS IN NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
We are aware of the difficult political situation in our country in the recent months. In this crisis, it is uncertain what the organization of the state will look like, what are the attitudes and interests of the negotiators, including of the international community, and why the role of the civil society in building democracy has been degraded Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The current socio-political situation has brought to the foreground issues that do not reflect the real needs and concerns of the population, and this approach contributes to the degradation of democracy, rule of law and basic social values.
Citizens of B&H live in difficult conditions facing poverty, pandemic, floods, fires, legal uncertainty, galloping inflation, injustice. Crime and corruption are the biggest issues of B&H society, and one of the key factors that make the ruling elites create tensions, wanting to secure the favor of the electorate to seize power in the next elections, in order to continue the enormous plunder of public funds. In addition, considering that the EU has no longer the Western Balkans in its focus, the process of harmonization of legislation in line with Acquis Communautaire has been slowed down. Therefore, citizens no longer have hope that the change for the better is possible at all in this country, which is why the populations’ migrations have been going on for several years.
Constant raising of national and political tensions is unnecessary for citizens and is ultimately unacceptable in a difficult economic situation such as this.
That is why WE DEMAND
That in all talks and negotiations about the fate of our country are unconditionally included the representatives of civil society coordination bodies with at least 50,000 involved citizens
That talks and negotiations take place exclusively within B&H institutions
WE ADVOCATE for a democratic Bosnia and Herzegovina, the rule of law, equal rights for all citizens, and for the full affirmation of national and religious freedoms.
The joint contact of the undersigned associations, foundations and other civil society organizations is the inicijativaOCD@gmail.com.