A/HRC/14/16
41.
Canada welcomed the decision to send the strategy for the implementation of annex
VII of the Dayton Peace Agreement into the parliamentary procedures aimed at improving
the lives of refugees, displaced persons and returnees. It expressed concern at reports that
Bosnia and Herzegovina was a significant transit point for human trafficking. Canada
noted that it was troubled by reports of intimidation and violence against human rights
defenders and other civil society actors. It also noted with dismay reports that some school
administrators were coming under considerable political pressure in their attempts to
remove segregation from schools. Canada made recommendations.
42.
Brazil noted reports indicating that many of those living in conditions of
displacement faced poor conditions. Brazil asked about the main challenge faced by the
Government in supporting internally displaced persons and about the Government’s plans
to address the issue in the near future. Brazil also asked what kind of assistance and
cooperation, if any, was needed by the Government. Bearing in mind that Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination against Women had highlighted the importance of reducing
maternal mortality and of increased access to information and services regarding sexual and
reproductive health, Brazil invited the Government to further enhance its gender policy to
fill those gaps. It made recommendations.
43.
Mexico welcomed the open manner in which human rights challenges were
addressed in the national report. It appreciated that, notwithstanding the serious
consequences posed by the armed conflict, the country showed a genuine commitment to
improving the protection of human rights, especially those of vulnerable groups. It
requested information about measures to ensure a universal civil registry that would
guarantee the juridical recognition of minorities. Mexico made recommendations.
44.
Pakistan welcomed the entry into force of the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination
and requested further details about the upcoming law on the prohibition of all fascist and
neo-fascist organizations and the use of their symbols. It appreciated knowing further
details about the impact of the Communications Regulatory Agency. Pakistan made
recommendations
45.
Nigeria observed the various challenges hampering Bosnia and Herzegovina in
continuing its socio-economic programmes, reforms and initiatives with a view to
enhancing the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Nigeria welcomed the establishment of various institutions and specialized agencies and the
initiation of various programmes, strategies and reforms to promote and protect human
rights, such as, inter alia, the establishment of the Human Rights Ombudsman and the
Communication Regulatory Agency, the reform of the judiciary, and the creation of
specialized agencies to promote the issues of women, children and persons. Nigeria made
one recommendation.
46.
Chile noted that the national report described several measures and policies adopted
to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights in a complex post-conflict
scenario. It acknowledged ongoing initiatives and achievements with regard to
reconciliation, and encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue in that direction. Chile
made recommendations.
47.
Netherlands expressed its concern about the discriminatory nature of some of the
articles in the Constitution, mentioning the fact that only Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs could
be elected to the House of Peoples and the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It also
referred to concerns raised by the reported escalation in the number of assaults on human
rights defenders, with the targets reportedly being campaigners for the rights of sexual
minorities, activists against human trafficking, and members of non-governmental
organizations and journalists investigating corruption and crime, as well as their family
members. Netherlands also cited its concerns about the discrimination faced by lesbian,
8
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents