A representative of the Association “Forgotten Children of War” participated in the workshop titled “Human Rights in Our Communities: The Role of Local Authorities”, held from November 12 to 14, 2025, in Banja Luka, organized by the Council of Europe as part of the project “Strengthening Democratic Innovations and Promoting Human Rights at the Local Level in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
The workshop brought together representatives of local authorities, institutions, and civil society organizations from across Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of strengthening the understanding of human rights obligations at the local level, as well as improving cooperation between institutions and organizations working in the field of human rights protection and promotion.
During the three-day program, participants had the opportunity to take part in thematic sessions dedicated to international and domestic human rights standards, anti-discrimination policies, and the role of local communities in the protection and promotion of human rights. Particular attention was given to issues related to access to free legal aid, the protection of environmental rights, the rights of national minorities, and the rights of persons with disabilities, alongside presentations of good practices from different local communities.
As part of the workshop, focus groups were organized to contribute to research conducted by the Council of Europe, as well as practical sessions focused on the development of local action plans aimed at improving the protection of human rights in communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Discussions particularly emphasized the importance of cooperation between local authorities and civil society organizations, highlighting the need for continuous education, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the development of policies based on concrete data and the actual needs of communities.
The participation of the Association “Forgotten Children of War” in this workshop represented an important opportunity to exchange experiences with relevant stakeholders in the fields of human rights and local governance, while also strengthening future cooperation in the protection of the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
