Geneva (20 January 2023) – Failure to address the legacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s past, including through comprehensive transitional justice measures and substantive rule of law reform of key judicial and security institutions, has created conditions for the rise of violent extremism, a UN expert warned today.
“These failures have also contributed to the rise of virulent nationalism and terrorism, and undermined the good work being done at the local level to move beyond hostile politics,” the UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, Fionnuala D. ’ at the end of her eight-day visit to the country.
The UN expert acknowledged positive human rights progress in key areas, including prisons, and was impressed by the individualized and constructive approach to the rehabilitation of prisoners, including those convicted of terrorism. “I believe there is an urgent need for a human rights-compliant probation system in order to support this type of work in the areas of counter-terrorism and violent extremism,” she said.
Ní Aoláin welcomed the initial steps taken by the government to facilitate and support the repatriation of its nationals from the Syrian conflict. She highlighted good practice, including family-centred reintegration, the use of strong physical social expertise, the active role of social care centres, the adoption of legislation and national strategies. Experts urge quick repatriation of women and children remaining in Syria to be prioritized.
“I am deeply concerned about the well-being of Bosnian children and their mothers, who continue to be held in situations of mass arbitrary detention in conflict zones in Syria where they are subjected to a series of human rights violations,” Ní Aoláin said. “Bosnia and Herzegovina has proven capable of handling complex cases, including the return of men, and I strongly encourage practical action in the short term,” she said.
The Special Rapporteur recommends focusing on other flights to conflict zones, including Ukraine. She stressed that the law should apply equally and fairly to all those who travel and return under such circumstances.
Niolan commended local and grassroots efforts to promote community coexistence and mutual respect, and encouraged local and international actors to support them, as this is the most effective means of preventing violent extremism and preventing terrorism.
“The mix of corrosive corruption, opportunistic political blockades and divisive nationalist politics undermines the transition to conflict and actively jeopardizes security and human rights in the country,” the UN expert said.
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Miss. Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism) was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism by the UN Human Rights Council on (date). (task holder background). His/her mandate covers all States and was recently extended by Human Rights Council resolution 49/10.
the so-called special rapporteur special procedures Human Rights Council. Special Procedures is the largest body of independent experts in the United Nations human rights system, and is the general term for the independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms of the Human Rights Council for specific country situations or thematic issues around the world. Special procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and are not paid for their work. They are independent of any government or organization and serve in their personal capacity.
UN Human Rights country page: Bosnia and Herzegovina
