The 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom by the US State Department reveals persistent religious discrimination and societal tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, implementation remains uneven, with religious minorities facing systemic discrimination and insufficient protection from hate crimes. The country's complex ethnic and religious landscape, with Bosniaks predominantly Muslim, Croats mainly Catholic, and Serbs primarily Orthodox, complicates the situation.

Religious leaders report selective enforcement of rights, particularly in education, employment, and social services, against Muslims, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians when they are in minority regions. Additionally, the government's failure to implement a 2009 European Court of Human Rights ruling to amend the constitution to allow minorities like Jews and Roma to run for high office remains a significant issue.

The Interreligious Council (IRC) documented increased incidents of religious intolerance, including vandalism of religious properties and physical attacks on individuals. Notable incidents included the vandalism of a mosque and homes in Sumanci, threats against Bosniak returnees, and discriminatory acts during religious and nationalistic celebrations.

US embassy officials continue to engage with local authorities and religious leaders to advocate for religious diversity and equal treatment for all religious communities. The report underscores the need for improved legal protections, effective law enforcement, and ongoing interfaith dialogue to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.