05 Dec The new BiH action plan for improving the rights and freedoms of LGBT people

Bosnia and Herzegovina unveiled its first ever strategy to improve the rights and freedoms of LGBT people in October, a step towards bringing human rights protections in the country into line with European Union standards.

Adopted by the government in July and presented by the state Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the 2021-24 LGBT Action Plan is the first of its kind in Bosnia, addressing hate speech, freedom of assembly, family law, transgender rights, prejudice and stereotyping.

In theory, the plan should pave the way towards regulation of same-sex civil partnerships, help transgender people with access to medical services and changes to personal documents, and ease freedom of assembly.

In its latest report on Bosnia, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance underscored the need to ensure a consistent strategic framework on human rights, including adoption of a strategic framework for the protection of LGBT persons. The EU has made similar calls, citing the European Convention on Human Rights.

“Arising from these universally accepted standards are the obligations to respect, ensure the enjoyment of and protection for the rights of all individuals and groups in the society irrespective of their personal or group identity,” the plan says.

You can find the action plan here.

Reference from the official website of the BalkanInsight