Becirovic in Strasbourg: Bosnia must eliminate systemic discrimination

Becirovic emphasized that active participation in the mechanisms of the Council of Europe reflects the nation's dedication to essential reform processes. He noted that PACE has consistently reaffirmed its strong support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A central theme of the discussion was the necessity of legal reform. Becirovic stated that Bosnia must eliminate systemic discrimination as identified in several rulings by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. These judgments confirmed that discrimination exists based on ethnic affiliation and place of residence, prompting instructions for the state to amend its Constitution.

"Discrimination is unacceptable in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in modern Europe. The lack of genuine democracy is in direct contradiction with the fundamental goals of the Council of Europe," Becirovic said. He added that the goal is to build a liberal democracy where all citizens are equal before the law, free from inequalities.

President Petra Bayr described Becirovic’s address to the Assembly as a positive and encouraging signal of the country's commitment to European values. She noted that continuous political dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy are vital tools for advancing democratic standards and accelerating Bosnia’s path toward the European Union.