Congratulations to the Sarajevo LGBTI Pride organisers, participants, local authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the successful first LGBT Pride in Bosnia, said the joint statement of the EU Delegation to Bosnia, UN, and many embassies based in the country, who commended the Bosnian citizens for rejecting fear and hate and showing the world that Bosnia is truly an open and tolerant country.

“The Pride March is fundamentally about equal human rights for everyone. Everyone in BiH – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – is entitled to all the same rights and freedoms. However, the fact remains that vulnerable groups are still suffering. It is everyone’s responsibility to support those who are marginalized and face discrimination and injustice,” the statement said.

The ambassadors and institutions behind the statement thanked the local authorities for facilitating the Sarajevo Pride.

“Now it is time to bring legislation on peaceful assemblies in line with European and international standards, in order to legally guarantee full freedom of expression and assembly. While challenges remain, the people of BiH took an important step in the fight for equal rights for the LGBTI and other marginalized communities. We commend you for your courage in being true to yourselves and for giving hope to others. We are proud to have walked alongside you and will remain by your side as you continue to march for equality and human rights for all,” said the statement signed by the US Embassy to Bosnia, EU Delegation and the Office of the EU Special Representative in Bosnia, the United Nations, the Dutch, German, Austrian, Swedish, Finnish, British, Spanish, French, Italian, Czech, Greek, Romanian, Slovakian, Bulgarian and Belgian embassies in the country.