Schmidt: BiH's victim protection system has serious shortcomings

(Patria) - With a minute of silence, High Representative Christian Schmidt and staff of the Office of the High Representative expressed their deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed and injured in Gradačac on August 11th.

On the occasion of this Day of Mourning, the High Representative stated that all levels of government in BiH must do more to prevent all forms of violence, and as the current social picture shows, especially violence against women and girls, and domestic violence.

Home should be a place where people feel safest, and when that is not the case, public institutions should engage to the maximum extent. Special attention should be paid to the standard of services provided to victims of domestic violence, from their first contact with the police to the availability and quality of safe houses. Protective measures against gender-based violence must be easily and equally accessible and effective in all parts of the country.

More attention should also be paid to the education, training, and accountability of judicial bodies, including prosecutors, and police officers, especially regarding BiH's international obligations in the area of ​​preventing gender-based violence.

The entire community should get involved so that actions that violate women's rights become socially unacceptable. Justifying violence and downplaying the severity of the consequences faced by victims greatly increases the risk of new cases. Violence prevention begins with education and awareness of the principle of peaceful conflict resolution.

"What happened in Gradačac is another indication that the victim protection system in BiH has serious shortcomings. I call on the competent authorities at all levels to act immediately and establish a comprehensive set of measures to better protect women and girls, as well as all others, from gender-based and other forms of violence," said the High Representative.

Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned by both women and men.

"Protection of life and integrity, as well as human rights, are woven into the Constitution of BiH and the Dayton Peace Agreement. This is not just dead letter on paper. It is the responsibility of everyone in BiH. I am committed to contributing my part to coordinated activities in establishing the most effective measures for the protection of all citizens from violence," said the High Representative.