Urgent call for action from the OSCE: Eradicate gender-based violence in BiH

(Patria) - We are deeply shaken by the attempted femicide that occurred in Bijeljina. The increasing number of such cases and the overall situation regarding gender-based violence cause concern and distress, the OSCE Mission announced today.

Since 2015, 56 women have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in 2021 and 2022 alone, 19 murders were committed that can be classified as femicide. According to an OSCE survey, as many as 48% of women in BiH have experienced some form of abuse, with the note that of that number, as many as 84% of abuse cases were not reported. Urgent action is imperative.

For all levels of government in BiH, preventing and responding to gender-based violence, including domestic violence, must be a priority. Through mutual cooperation, we can eradicate these crimes that cause unacceptable harm to both individuals and society.

We believe that the competent authorities will show responsibility and prioritize addressing this urgent problem. Excuses are no longer acceptable, because every passing day can result in even more lost lives.