OSCE Mission in BiH Concerned About Incidents Motivated by Hatred and Prejudice

(Patria) - The OSCE Mission in BiH has condemned any action and speech fueled by prejudice or hatred and has pointed with great concern to the recent increase in the number of such incidents that occurred in certain locations in Republika Srpska, in connection with the celebration of Orthodox Christmas and the unconstitutional day of Republika Srpska, as well as in the Federation of BiH.

Unfortunately, the OSCE states, such events are becoming a pattern and practice, and during the period of celebrating Orthodox Christmas and January 9th, we again witness threats and harassment of members of non-Serb communities in certain parts of Republika Srpska, which included convoys of vehicles, public gatherings where participants carried firearms, nationalistic insults, and glorification of war criminals.

"Incidents have also been recorded in the Federation of BiH, including damage to property owned by Serbs. Such demonstrations of intimidation and force sow fear and create divisions in communities that are striving to move forward and rebuild damaged trust.

According to data collected within the Monitoring Program implemented by the Mission, despite indicators and initial evidence of prejudice, competent authorities rarely act adequately in investigating and prosecuting perpetrators, and other necessary actions are also lacking.

The repetition of incidents of this kind indicates a culture of impunity, as the reactions of competent institutions so far have had little or no effect on suppressing or preventing the recurrence of such phenomena.

However, acknowledging the above, we emphasize that after the recent events in Vlasenica and Srebrenica, law enforcement agencies reacted adequately and quickly, regardless of the increasing public pressure and calls to ignore their legal obligations. The Mission also welcomes the condemnation of these incidents.

We call on competent prosecutor's offices to conduct a thorough investigation and carefully consider possible charges and motives, taking into account both domestic criminal regulations and the binding case law of the European Court of Human Rights.

All other competent bodies and authorities are obliged to respond to these and other similar incidents adequately and without delay, and to provide support and protection to victims and their communities.

Most importantly, it is crucial to acknowledge that these episodes do not happen in isolation and should be examined within the broader context of divisive and hateful rhetoric, which is resorted to by certain elected officials, public figures, and media organizations.

The engagement of institutions and individuals in promoting the exclusion, discrimination, and marginalization of citizens who do not belong to the dominant national, religious, or political group is an expression of clear support for conflict and hatred.

This also includes continued official support for the celebration of the unconstitutional day of Republika Srpska, which leads to further erosion of fundamental human rights and the rule of law, including the authority of the judiciary.

The Mission once again condemns any action contrary to the principles of inclusivity, pluralism, and democracy, on which Bosnia and Herzegovina is founded.

Competent institutions and individuals in positions of power and influence, including elected officials, must work for the benefit of all people within their area of responsibility, regardless of their origin or religious belief.

Since everyone is equal before the law, elected officials have an obligation to actively and decisively condemn all incidents and criminal offenses motivated by prejudice, as well as hate speech.

Indeed, they must work to strengthen unity in society, not to undermine it, and they must ensure a zero tolerance policy legally, socially, and culturally towards those who wish to attack or marginalize certain groups or individuals in society.

In short, leaders and institutions must provide security and well-being for everyone living in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the OSCE Mission in BiH stated.