We, the Ambassadors of Sweden, Republic of Italy, the United Kingdom, the EU Head of Delegation/EUSR in BiH and Chargés d’Affaires of the Embassies of the Kingdom of Spain and Federal Republic of Germany in Sarajevo, had looked forward to participate in the March against Violence Towards LGBTI People intended to take place 13 May, organised by the Sarajevo Open Centre organisation. As the organizer has unfortunately not been granted all necessary permits in time, the March will not be able to take place as planned.

We believe these kinds of gatherings should be possible to arrange in a country where freedom of assembly exists and is enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. We would like to show our greatest solidarity with the Sarajevo Open Centre organisation and the LGBTI community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. People should be able to live their lives free from the threat of violence, whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexuality.

We hope and expect that a March will be arranged as soon as possible and we look forward to attend that March and show our genuine support.

Anders Hagelberg, Ambassador

Nicola Minasi, Ambassador

Edward Ferguson, Ambassador

Lars-Gunnar Wigemark, Ambassador

Javier Blanco, Chargé d’Affaires

Christian Sedat, Chargé d’Affaires