Local authorities faced challenges in upholding international human rights standards at the fourth meeting of the Platform of Exchange on June 13, 2024, in Sarajevo. Over 40 local elected representatives, public officials, Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and civil society organisations gathered to discuss these issues.
Melanie Lepoultier (France, ILDG), Congress’ Deputy Standing Rapporteur on Human Rights, highlighted the importance of embedding human rights principles in policy development and service delivery by local authorities. She emphasized the connection between human rights delivery and democratic participation, essential for creating equitable and inclusive societies.
Participants shared good practices, successful initiatives, tools, and approaches that have enhanced human rights protection and democratic engagement in local communities across Europe. This exchange was part of the project “Innovating democratic participation at local level in Bosnia and Herzegovina” within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025, aiming to improve local democracy and citizen engagement in the country.