International Human Rights Day: Complaints to ombudsmen rising, rights must be effective in practice

International Human Rights Day is observed every December 10th, marking 77 years since the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration affirmed the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights that should belong to every person without distinction.

The Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) stated that this day serves as an opportunity to recall the importance of human rights, which must be realized through public policies and laws adopted in cooperation with all key stakeholders and in the interest of citizens. The state, its institutions, and decision-makers bear a special responsibility for the decisions they make and the messages they send.

Increase in citizen complaints signals growing problems and activism

From the citizens' perspective, every day is important for the realization of their rights, which is reflected in the complaints addressed to the Ombudsmen. The number of complaints submitted to the Ombudsmen this year is rising, indicating an increase in the problems faced by citizens, but also a greater willingness on their part to act more actively in protecting their rights. The International Human Rights Day is therefore an opportunity for further encouragement in this regard and an increased awareness of the importance of human rights for everyone, as noted by the Institution.

Citizens primarily lodge complaints with the Ombudsmen regarding violations of their civil, political, economic, and social rights. They also report violations of rights within the judiciary and administration, infringements of children's rights, discrimination, and other issues. Unfortunately, the received complaints highlight the need for action to ensure equality and suppress discrimination in all its forms, with the most vulnerable groups, women, children, the infirm, and members of national and other minorities, being particularly exposed to human rights violations.

Rights must be effective and enforceable

In observing this day, the BiH Ombudsmen stress that human rights must not be illusory; they must be effective and enforceable in practice.

"We must protect human rights, each according to our role, individual branches of government, independent institutions, civil society organizations, media, citizens”, the Ombudsmen stated.

They emphasize that daily cooperation between institutions and the Ombudsmen is crucial for the realization of citizens' rights and adherence to the rule of law. They call on all responsible parties to strengthen cooperation with the Institution. In this context, the effective implementation of the Ombudsmen’s recommendations is especially vital, a point the Institution continuously reminds stakeholders of.