The alternative report provides insight into the state of women’s human rights in nine different areas defined in the convention, through an overview of national legislation, administrative rules, warns of obstacles in their realization, but at the same time contains recommendations for overcoming them.
“The burning issue at the moment is femicide, and it’s not a political issue, it’s a matter of national interest. Everything must be done, from changing the law to ensuring its implementation, establishing a protocol and accountability system, so that justice is served and the victim is protected,” she said. is Diana Šehić, director of the “Rights for All” Association.
“Domestic violence is the most reported crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to all statistics, and only 40 to 45% of those cases that are reported to the police reach the prosecutors. When they do go to court, 70% of suspended sentences are recorded, and that easy criminal policy says that we treat these acts as less socially dangerous,” Aleksandra Petrić from the Banjaluka Women’s Association believes.
“We are looking for an urgent answer about the current process of changes to the FBiH Criminal Code and the Law on the Protection of Domestic Violence, so that we know in which direction to proceed,” said Meliha Sendić from the Zenica Center for Women’s Rights.
The alternative report will be submitted to the UN committee responsible for considering the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (Women’s Convention).