Continuing his intensive dialogue with civil society representatives, the High Representative Christian Schmidt had another meeting today 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. These discussions will continue in the future with a wide array 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 broad range of topics, including reforms of legislation that would alleviate blockades, eradicate 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 Sejdić-Finci group of cases.
The High Representative called for broader participation of all segments of society in deliberations on future reforms. Institutions must work as required 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, young people especially, be included in this work. Now 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 late German Chancellor Willy Brandt, we should have more democracy and participation of every citizen,” said the High Representative.
