The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina condemned all actions and speech driven by bias or hatred and noted “with growing concern” the recent surge of such incidents in certain locations in Republika Srpska in conjunction with Serbian Orthodox Christmas and the unconstitutional Day of Republika Srpska, as well as in the Federation of BiH.

“Following an unfortunately regular pattern, the period around Serbian Orthodox Christmas and 9 January 2024 again witnessed threats and harassment targeting non-Serb communities in some parts of Republika Srpska, including vehicle convoys and public gatherings where participants carried firearms, chanted ethnic slurs and glorified war criminals,” the mission said.

It stressed that incidents were also observed in the Federation entity, including damage to property belonging to Serbs.

“Such displays of intimidation and aggression incite fear and divide communities trying to move forward and rebuild trust. Per data collected through the Mission’s extensive monitoring programme, despite indicators and initial evidence of bias, responsible officials rarely investigate and prosecute these instances properly or take other meaningful measures. The repetition of such incidents indicates an environment of impunity wherein institutional responses to date have done little to diminish or prevent similar acts from recurring,” the mission stressed

It praised the reaction of law enforcement agencies and called on relevant institutions to investigate the incidents.

“Following the recent events in Vlasenica and Srebrenica law enforcement agencies are acting commendably and swiftly, even in the face of mounting public pressure to disregard their legal obligations. The Mission further welcomes the condemnation of these incidents. The Mission urges the relevant prosecutor’s offices to conduct thorough investigations into potential criminal charges and motives, respecting both domestic criminal legislation and binding European Court of Human Rights case law. All other legally mandated authorities should respond to these and any similar incidents promptly and appropriately, including by providing support and protection to victims and their communities,” the OSCE underlined.

Bosniak returnees in eastern Bosnia report incident on Christmas Eve

Serb returnee’s home in Mostar attacked during Christmas

It also noted that, most importantly, it should be recognised “that these episodes do not exist in a vacuum and must be examined within the wider context of hate-filled and divisive rhetoric espoused by some elected leaders, public figures and media organizations.”

“The institutional and individual promotion of exclusion, discrimination and marginalization of citizens that do not belong to a dominant nationality, religious or political group serves as a clear endorsement of conflict and hatred. This includes continued official support for and celebration of the unconstitutional Day of Republika Srpska, further undermining fundamental human rights and the rule of law, including the authority of the judiciary, the mission said, reiterating its condemnation of any contraventions of the principles of inclusivity, pluralism and democracy, the very principles serving as the foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Finally, it called on elected officials to work in favour of all citizens.

“Relevant institutions and those serving in positions of power and influence, including elected officials, must work for everyone in their areas of responsibility, irrespective of background or religious beliefs. As all persons are equal in the eyes of the law, officials are obligated not only to refrain from but actively and decisively denounce any bias-motivated incidents and crimes and hate speech. Indeed, they must work to strengthen social cohesion rather than weaken it and ensure zero legal, social or cultural tolerance for those aiming to attack or marginalize certain groups or individuals in society. In short, leaders and institutions must ensure the safety, security and well-being of everyone living in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”