Lawlor: Authorities in BiH must cooperate with human rights defenders and ensure their protection

UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor emphasised that, despite a few positive examples, she has not seen a sufficient level of political will anywhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully support human rights defenders.

“At present, human rights defenders receive the strongest support from one another. That same solidarity should be demonstrated by the authorities,” Lawlor said.

She voiced particular concern over the deteriorating conditions for civil society organisations, especially in the Republika Srpska entity, where, she noted, human rights defenders and independent journalists are increasingly targeted by smear campaigns and stigmatisation, including attacks from senior political officials.

Lawlor also criticised the law establishing a special register of non-profit organisations in Republika Srpska. Although currently suspended by a decision of the BiH Constitutional Court, efforts to implement the law are still ongoing through proposed by-laws.

“This law must be permanently repealed. It represents a serious threat to freedom of association and expression,” she stated.

She condemned the intimidation and use of SLAPP lawsuits (strategic litigation against public participation) targeting environmental rights defenders, and warned that the criminalisation of defamation continues to harm free expression, journalism, and activism.

Lawlor pointed out that individuals working on transitional justice, the rights of persons with disabilities, migrants, minorities, and the LGBTI community face additional obstacles. She highlighted the lack of accountability for attacks on LGBTI activists in 2023 and called for urgent, impartial investigations.

“Women human rights defenders often face a double burden—as activists and as women, yet they continue to lead the fight for human rights and social justice,” she added.

Despite the difficult political climate and the legacy of conflict, Lawlor praised the work of many activists achieving meaningful progress across the country.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina must engage with human rights defenders and guarantee their protection in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders,” she concluded.

Lawlor visited Bosnia and Herzegovina from June 9 to 20, meeting with officials at all levels of government and a wide range of human rights actors, including civil society groups, local initiatives, environmental advocates, lawyers, journalists, and others.

She will present a detailed report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2026.