Bosnia and Herzegovina High Representative discusses priority reforms

Following his intensive dialogue with civil society representatives, High Representative Christian Schmidt had another meeting on Tuesday for an exchange of views and ideas regarding priority reforms needed to alleviate discrimination, promote a fully inclusive democratic system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and address other key challenges facing the country. The discussions will continue in the future with a wide range of participants, representatives of the civil society and academic institutions.

The High Representative thanked his interlocutors for a very informative and productive exchange that touched upon a wide range of topics, including changes of legislation that would alleviate blockades, eliminate discrimination, and move the country forward.

It was agreed that the government formation process must be completed as a matter of urgency and that newly elected authorities must make swift progress in the implementation of the Sejdi Finci group of cases.

The High Representative called for a greater participation of all segments of society in deliberations on future reforms. Institutions must work to develop institutional mechanisms for greater access to civil society organisations and the general public in the decision-making process.

I want to see the civil society, especially the young people, be included in this work. It is time to amend the Dayton Constitution and reshape it into a modern constitutional framework that will help overcome ethnic or individual discrimination and replace blockades with opportunities. In the best sense of the words by the late German Chancellor Willy Brandt, we should have more democracy and participation of every citizen, said the High Representative.