Fundamental Freedoms
Guided by OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina works to promote and protect essential fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of assembly and association; freedom of expression and media; and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
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Overview
In addressing fundamental freedoms, the Mission recognizes the impact of the protection of fundamental freedoms as critical to functional democratic societies. With this in mind, the Mission supports Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in improving and harmonizing laws and practices related to these freedoms, in line with international human rights standards and relevant OSCE commitments.
This also includes the Mission’s support in combating efforts to interfere with the enjoyment of these freedoms. Critical to this work is the Mission’s objective monitoring of the enjoyment of these rights as well as incidences of threats or attacks, including adherence to international human rights standards by law enforcement agencies during peaceful assemblies; the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to carry out their work, and potential rights violations on the grounds of religion or belief, including discriminatory practices.
In its work on fundamental freedoms, the Mission relies on its network of field offices across the country and the links it has established over the years with local communities, human rights defenders, civil society organizations, journalists and religious/belief actors. Drawing on these sustained relationships, the Mission provides training to key partners, including law enforcement agencies, human rights organizations and activists, members of the judiciary, media, religious communities and political representatives.
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Activities, news and other highlights
Report
Urgent comments on the draft criminal offences against honor and reputation in Republika Srpska
Urgent comments on the draft criminal offences against honor and reputation in Republika Srpska
Guide / manual / handbook
Reporting on Violent Extremism and Terrorism - Guidelines for Journalists
"Journalists need to resist the urge to sensationalize events in their interest to attract the eyes, ears and clicks” – as stated in the UNESCO Guidelines on reporting on terrorism and violent extremism. This statement once again underlines the importance of overcoming many challenges that stand in the way of reporting on these topics. Guided by these issues, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the conference "Media and Terrorism" in September 2018, and once again drew attention to the importance of accuracy of information based on facts, independence, impartiality, humanity, transparency and responsibilities, when it comes to media-monitoring of violent extremism and terrorism. As stated in the conclusions from the conference, precision and the use of clear terminology is essential for explaining the seriousness and tragic nature of the situation without misleading readers and viewers and sensationalist approach to events.
News and activities
Current announcements, press releases, media advisories and other updates
News Item
OSCE Mission Statement on the Online Attack Against Female Journalist Rabija Arifović
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) condemns the use of misogynistic and religiously prejudiced rhetoric directed at STAV journalist Rabija Arifović and other female journalists and members of journalists’ associations. Media professionals must be able to work in a safe and respectful environment, with their freedoms and personal security fully protected.
News Item
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for a swift and effective institutional response to the threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) calls for continued attention and a prompt and effective response from law enforcement and judicial institutions regarding the threats targeting journalist Vahidin Durić. The Mission underscores the importance of ensuring that all cases endangering journalists’ safety are treated with urgency and diligence, in line with relevant legal provisions.
News Item
Law Students Shine in National Competition
Mostar, 10 October 2025 – From 8 to 10 October, the Faculty of Law of the University of Mostar, in co-operation with the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC BiH) and the OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission), organized the Fourth State University Moot Court Competition in Mostar. Twenty-four law students and their professors from the law faculties in Zenica, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Bihać, and Mostar showcased their skills and knowledge in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).
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