To mark this year’s Human Rights Day, the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina/EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen hosted a group of young activists from the Youth Initiative for Human Rights. During the meeting, Ambassador Sorensen and his guests discussed current human rights issues in the country.
Ambassador Peter Sorensen said:
“Respect for and protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law are fundamental values of the European Union.
“Therefore I am very happy that the members of the Youth Initiative for Human Rights recognize and promote the importance of protecting human rights as the cornerstone of a democratic society. Given the many challenges faced by Bosnia and Herzegovina, I am encouraged to see that there are young people here who are up for this task. The EU will continue to give its support to all those individuals and organizations that promote human rights, and that shed light on those who infringe them.
“Indeed the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty makes clear that the Union shall be guided by human rights and fundamental freedoms. These principles are reinforced by the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.
“The European Union seeks to ensure that all human rights – be they civil, political, economic, social or cultural – are respected everywhere. Every country that aspires to join the EU must abide by them. This is the case for Bosnia and Herzegovina as for any other aspirant candidate countries.
“So on the occasion of this Human Rights Day, we call on all those in positions of authority and responsibility to support everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are actively engaged in participation to public life and champion the protection of human rights. The work is never finished and today we reaffirm our commitment for the future.”
