Dear Friends, Partners, and Advocates,
We are reaching out to you on a matter of critical importance for democratic participation and civic space in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Draft Law on Citizen Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists in the Federation of BiH is scheduled for a crucial vote in the House of Peoples on July 28, 2025. Your support now can make a profound difference.
We urge you to express your support by signing our Google Form. Every signature strengthens our collective call for a more democratic and inclusive BiH.
This vital piece of legislation aims to address long-standing gaps in enabling effective citizen participation and, crucially, to protect activists and citizens from legal and physical threats, including the insidious practice of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) lawsuits.
Why is this Law so important?
- Empowering Citizens: It establishes a clear and harmonized legal framework for citizen initiatives, ensuring that people can safely and freely advocate for their rights and the common good without facing procedural hurdles or legal inconsistencies.
- Combating SLAPPs: A particularly significant feature of this law is the inclusion of provisions specifically designed to prevent and counter SLAPPs. These lawsuits are deliberately used to intimidate and silence activists, citizens, and journalists who raise public interest issues, burdening them with lengthy and costly legal proceedings. By adopting this law, the Federation of BiH would take a leading position in the region in combating such abuses of the legal system.
- European Integration: The adoption of this law is a vital step towards strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path to European Union membership. It directly addresses key priorities outlined in the European Commission’s 2019 Opinion on BiH’s membership request, particularly concerning the strengthening of democratic functionality, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights, including freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
We have prepared a formal letter with further details on the significance of this Draft Law and our request for your support. The formal letter, a collective voice from civil society organizations across the Balkan region and beyond, serves as a powerful testament to the widespread support for the adoption of the Draft Law on Citizen Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists in the Federation of BiH. It meticulously details how this legislation will not only bridge critical legal gaps concerning citizen participation and protection but also decisively position Bosnia and Herzegovina as a regional leader in the crucial fight against SLAPP lawsuits and in safeguarding the vital space for civic engagement.
Your voice is powerful! We urge you to express your support by signing our Google Form. Every signature strengthens our collective call for a more democratic and inclusive BiH.
We need your signature for support here.
We also kindly ask you to share this call widely within your networks if you deem it suitable. The more voices we raise, the greater our impact.
Thank you for considering this urgent matter and for standing in solidarity with civil society actors advocating for these crucial reforms. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any additional information or supporting materials.
Sincerely,
The Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN)