Letters

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Harassment of sexual minorities

Recent manifestations of intolerance against homosexuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) causes deep concern.

Published: September 19, 2008 Author: Human Rights House Foundation

Human Rights House Foundation (HRHF) is deeply concerned about recent manifestations of intolerance against homosexuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Earlier this month, some religious and political leaders in BiH expressed their intolerance against homosexuals in relation to the announcement of the first Queer festival ever in the country, from the 24^th to the 28^th of September. The festival, that will take place in Sarajevo, is arranged by the civil society organisation ‘Q Association’. In and around Sarajevo, posters expressing the same intolerance are inciting violence against homosexuals.

HRHF strongly condemns all hate speech, and takes this opportunity to express its disappointment with the BiH authorities’ silence with which the campaign against the Festival and its organisers so far has been met. HRHF urges the BiH authorities to observe their primary responsibility to protect all their citizens, without exception. HRHF urges the same authorities to reiterate the universal right to freedom of assembly and provide protection to all participants to the forthcoming Queer festival.

Documents:

Harassment of sexual minorities in Bosnia and Hercegovina

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