OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina commends Brčko District Assembly for adoption of Laws on Associations and Foundations, and on Rights of National Minorities

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) commends the Brčko District Assembly on its adoption on 14 October 2020 of Laws on Associations and Foundations, and on the Rights of National Minorities.

These two pieces of legislation present a significant step forward for citizens in Brčko District. 

The Brčko District Law on Associations and Foundations will  strengthen transparency and efficient use of public funds. The Brčko District Law on Rights of National Minorities will help guarantee their protection, including through ensuring financial resources for the exercise of their rights established under the Framework Convention for the Protection of the Rights of National Minorities and the BiH Law on the Protection of Rights of National Minorities.

“This is a great day for the citizens of Brčko District, and I want to congratulate the Brčko District Assembly for showing leadership on these issues," said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. "Adoption of these two pieces of legislation, along with the previously adopted law on peaceful assembly, shows that the authorities in Brčko District are serious about introducing reforms that will protect citizen rights and improve conditions for all.  We look forward in particular to the implementation of the legislation on national minorities, which will require developing strategic documents and criteria that will enable the participation for members of national minorities in the legal and executive bodies and ensure access to education, culture and media in minority languages.”

The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting Brčko District in taking additional steps towards the protection of basic human rights and building of citizens’ trust and confidence in its institutions.