Prosecuting Hate Crimes in BiH

In the course of 2012 and 2013, Center for Social research Analitika, in cooperation with the Association of Prosecutors of Federation BiH, will implement the project “Prosecuting hate: Towards adoption and implementation of EU standards and best practices in combating hate crimes in BiH”. The project is funded by the the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The legal framework on hate crimes in BiH has recently been innovated and is in large part in line with European standards.  However, these crimes are hardly ever prosecuted, because of the both  the lack of knowledge and understanding of the main categories on the part of legal professionals, and a total lack of NGO involvement, monitoring and activism in this field. Against such background, the project aims at the filling this gap and connecting prosecutors, NGOs, and the relevant authorities in a meaningful coalition against hatred in BiH.

The main goal of the project is to create preconditions for a strong partnership of all relevant actors in combating hatred in BiH, and to provide a platform for long-term education, learning, awareness-raising and activism in this field in BiH.

The project envisages realization of a number of activities, such as organization of two professional and one public event focused on this thematic area, producing various analyses, publications and educational materials for a wide range of actors in this field. Continuous communication with representatives of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as entity centers for education of judges and prosecutors is also intended to ensure transfer and institutionalization of knowledge and experience gained through this project.