EU in BiH: We call on the MPs of the NSRs not to vote for the Draft Law on Non-Profit Organizations

(Patria) - The European Union strongly appeals to the Government of Republika Srpska to withdraw without delay the Draft Law on a special register and publicizing the work of non-profit organizations, which the National Assembly of Republika Srpska will consider at a session scheduled for September 26.

The European Union also calls on all MPs of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska not to vote for this Draft Law, aimed at intimidating and suppressing the work of civil society organizations by labeling their representatives as alleged foreign agents.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in democratic societies and are the ones that hold elected officials accountable, fight corruption, and strengthen the rule of law, which is why authoritarian regimes around the world attack and label them as traitors. The worrying adoption of amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska with the re-criminalization of defamation has already had a chilling effect on freedom of speech in Republika Srpska. Instead of joining the European family, the adoption of this new Draft Law would bring Republika Srpska closer to such regimes.

The European Union is founded on the values of respect for human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. These values are protected by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Republika Srpska, and other laws. The Draft Law is in direct contradiction with the repeatedly stated commitment of the leadership of Republika Srpska to advancing European integration, and especially with key priority 11 on civil society and key priority 12 on freedom of expression and media, which will be very clearly emphasized in the upcoming European Commission report for Bosnia and Herzegovina.