Do not wait for the example - set the example

Freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental right. This freedom reflects the principles of non-discrimination, equality, tolerance, and non-coercion.

Throughout its history, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been a religiously and ethnically diverse country. BiH is famously home to numerous religions, including Islam, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, and Judaism. With this in mind, supporting freedom of religion or belief and the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination is essential for the human security and future stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Freedom of religion or belief in BiH is at times constrained by legal, political or social hurdles. That said, there exist numerous local-level actors and community activists playing an important role in protecting this right and promoting inter-religious dialogue. One particularly praiseworthy example is the BiH Inter-religious Council, which offers a forum for discussion and co-ordination among BiH’s religious communities. The Council’s outreach efforts, especially through its local chapters, represent a cornerstone of inter-religious dialogue and respect in BiH.

Lead the change

It therefore comes as no surprise that our champion and leader by example is exactly one of these local Chapters.

The Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica (IRC) has been at the forefront of inter-religious dialogue both in Zenica and across the country. This Chapter has been a promoter of tolerance and peace for over a decade, spreading the spirit of interfaith co-operation, support and dialogue in many places throughout BiH.

“The IRC was established spontaneously and the idea came up after the traditional football matches between the religious leaders of all three religions,” said Kenan Hodžić, Secretary of the Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica. “The idea was to institutionalize inter-religious dialogue.”

Not everyone was able to recognize their vision and they were often discouraged. But Kenan thought that if there were inter-religious chapters in other local communities, such as in Livno and Drvar, then Zenica should consider opening one as well.

Kenan notes that there have always been, and always will be people of different opinions and lifestyles, but he wanted this Inter-religious Chapter to serve as a model for tolerance. ”Bosnia and Herzegovina is a land of sleeping beauty. Inter-religious dialogue is the awakening of what has been dormant. We had no desire to change others or change the state, all we wanted was to awake the beauty in the local community,” he stressed.

Over the last ten years, this Chapter implemented many projects and activities with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Mission) and other partners. This included establishing a Youth Network within the Chapter - which has been working on the promotion of inter-religious dialogue through art and social gatherings - the organization of inter-religious camps, the organization of events to celebrate religious holidays, and the reconstruction of religious facilities, to name a few. 

The importance of such inter-religious initiatives cannot be understated. By building a society on the foundations of mutual tolerance and understanding, they are helping to build sustainable peace in BiH.

Voices of Youth

The Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica established its Youth Network six years ago.

Indira Agić, member of the Youth Network, said that the Chapter was an opportunity for her and her friends to better understand the world and themselves, as well as to learn how to express their beliefs.

“Our meetings are filled with love, harmony and acceptance. Every single meeting represents a new adventure, experience and emotion. I am most proud of the fact that the Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica taught me that we were all equal and that there was no need to question our love for each other,” Indira concluded.

Together for a better today and tomorrow

The Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica demonstrates that an inclusive, committed and open community creates a welcoming environment for local citizens and society as a whole. Seeing this, the promotion of freedom of religion or belief and inter-religious dialogue will remain an essential part of the OSCE Mission’s mandate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“It is particularly important to engage young people in such value-sharing processes. I therefore commend the Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica for their tireless work with youth. Social cohesion, inter-religious dialogue and peace should be the heritage young people carry into the future, while building a society based on mutual trust and tolerance,” said Glorija Alić, Human Rights Officer at the Mission’s Travnik Field Office. “The Mission remains a committed partner of the Inter-religious Chapter of Zenica and we are looking forward to our future work on the promotion of dialogue among young people coming from different religious communities.”