A/HRC/43/2
particularly the Istanbul Convention. The discrepancies in law and policy create serious
human rights protection gaps for women, young people and persons subjected to intersecting
forms of discrimination. These protection gaps include unequal access to safe abortion, social
security systems for pregnancy and parenthood, protection from domestic and gender-based
violence, discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender and sexual and reproductive
health services, among others. It called on the Government to fulfill its obligations under
international human rights law to all people across its different jurisdictions and ensure that
no one is denied their sexual and reproductive rights because of where they live. A stark
example of this lies in the discriminatory provision of abortion and contraceptive services,
although technically legal, different healthcare funds regulate prices for abortions, rendering
such services inaccessible to many women living in poverty, especially women belonging to
minority communities such as Roma women, women with disabilities and women returnees.
903. The European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Federation strongly
supported efforts made by State institutions to draft and push for adoption of these
documents. However, some views of Bosnia and Herzegovina on recommendations received
from Member States are problematic. Especially, the Entity government of Republika Srpska
is constantly blocking any chance of drafting and adoption of any kind of strategic documents
on the State level, in relation to human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including but not
limited to issues related to the equality of LGBTI persons. Republika Srpska authorities stated
in six places in the document that presents views of Bosnia and Herzegovina on received
recommendations, that only entities have the competence to regulate human rights issues,
even though these recommendations are listed as accepted or in the process of
implementation. This dissenting opinion was a concern and a clear sign that the civil society
will probably have to advocate for the same recommendations in the next universal periodic
review cycle as well. It was also stated that the recommendation given by Iceland to pass and
implement laws that would recognize same-sex partnerships and define the rights and
obligations of cohabiting couples in same-sex unions is in the process of implementation. It
informed that only the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has adopted a conclusion to
establish a working group but only to conduct analysis of current regulations regarding samesex couples in the entity. This conclusion was adopted in October 2018, but the working
group members were appointed in January 2020, 15 months after the conclusion was adopted.
The other two entities did not take similar action in this regard.
4.
Concluding remarks of the State under review
904. The Vice-President stated that, based on the information provided, out of 207
recommendations received, 204 enjoy the support of Bosnia Herzegovina, and three are
noted.
905. The delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina emphasized the commitment of the
country to protect human rights of all its citizens, refugees and foreigners. In response to
several comments made during the interactive session, the delegation ensured that Bosnia
and Herzegovina will continue implementing the recommendations accepted during its third
universal periodic review to promote economic and social rights, to protect refugees, to
increase women participation in Parliamentary and decision making settings, to advance on
sexual and reproductive rights and to fight more robustly domestic violence.
B.
General debate on agenda item 6
906. At the 36th meeting, on 15 June 2020, the Human Rights Council held a general
debate on agenda item 6, during which the following made statements:
GE.
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