The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić, received the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Aikio Toshihiro, on an inaugural visit.
During the meeting, they discussed the cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Japan to date, as well as the possibilities for further deepening relations through new projects in the field of human rights, gender equality and social protection. Special emphasis was placed on the successful cooperation of the Embassy of Japan with the Agency for Gender Equality, which operates within the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH.
The interlocutors also exchanged opinions on the current socio-economic situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the country’s progress towards membership in the European Union, as well as the current political situation.
Minister Hurtić emphasized that gender equality is one of the key priorities of the Ministry and expressed concern about the increase in cases of femicide and violence against women in BiH. In this context, he emphasized the urgent need to build safe houses for women and children who are victims of violence, which are sorely lacking in BiH.
Hurtić invited the Embassy of Japan to consider the possibility of support in this segment, emphasizing that safe houses are of exceptional importance for the protection of fundamental human rights and the lives of women.
Ambassador Toshihiro confirmed that Japan’s goal is to assist the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina through projects that contribute to strengthening security, stability and improving the quality of life, and expressed his readiness to consider the possibilities of further support in accordance with the needs of BiH society.
The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, and Hurtić took the opportunity to invite Ambassador Toshihiro to attend the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, on July 11 this year. The Ambassador respectfully accepted the invitation, expressing his readiness to pay tribute to the victims and support the culture of memory and truth, the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH announced.
