OSCE MISSION IN BIH CALLS FOR URGENT REFORMS REGARDING RESPONSE TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

SARAJEVO, AUGUST 16 (ONASA) – On this day of mourning, the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and wounded in the murders in Gradačac, as well as to the local community affected by this tragedy, the OSCE announced.
Prevention of violence against women and domestic violence in general must be a priority of all relevant institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The OSCE welcomes an urgent investigation into the institutional response to this specific case and strongly encourages competent authorities at all levels to review the ineffective domestic violence protection system as a whole and to come up with administrative and legal proposals to better protect women from domestic violence.
According to OSCE research, 48 percent of women in BiH have experienced some form of abuse, and 84 percent remain unreported.
A comprehensive response to this alarming situation will involve coordinated efforts, including effective enforcement of existing legislation and training of police and judicial officers.
The mission is ready to support any serious attempt to finally start a decisive fight against domestic violence.
“Also, we call on the competent authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to tighten the control of firearms through amendments to the laws that regulate the ownership and possession of firearms and to fully harmonize them with EU legislation and other international standards. Citizens should be encouraged to hand over firearms to enforcement authorities of the law on destruction.
Finally, we call on the media to act responsibly, balancing the need to inform the public and the need to preserve and protect the privacy of all participants, especially minors. This is especially important considering the sensitivity of such acts and the vulnerability of victims and witnesses, the OSCE states.