The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes yesterday’s decision by the Brcko District Assembly to establish new Commissions to address issues of gender equality, anti-corruption and youth.
“Such commissions are vital for ensuring that the Brcko District Assembly`s decisions are well-grounded in these key policy areas. It is imperative that these bodies are up-and-running as quickly as possible,” said Ian Bancroft, Head of the OSCE Mission’s Brcko Office.
“To ensure their effectiveness, the Commissions must be equipped with the necessary resources, particularly through the participation of experts, and should draw upon the considerable wealth of knowledge possessed by civil society. We hope that all members of the Assembly will play an active role in helping ensure the success of these and other Assembly Commissions.”
The new Commission in charge of gender issues will ensure that gender equality standards are applied within Brcko District institutions, thereby facilitating the equal involvement of women and men in public and political life. Bancroft encouraged the Commission to promote gender sensitive policies in the near future.
Talking about the Youth Commission, Bancroft said: “Young people have often complained that the authorities disregard their needs. This new commission will directly engage youth as a part of the society, vital for the District’s future.”
With respect to the Anti-corruption Commission, he commended the renewed commitment demonstrated by the Assembly to fight corruption and called upon all relevant institutions to work together to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the District.
The OSCE will continue to work directly with the Brcko District Assembly to improve the functioning of all Assembly bodies, whilst supporting the efforts of civil society organizations – representing women, youth and other marginalized groups – to ensure that their voices are effectively heard.
