SARAJEVO, November 14 (FENA) – The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić, attended a roundtable dedicated to addressing the issue of violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a particular focus on the implementation of GREVIO findings and the recommendations of the Committee of the Parties of the Istanbul Convention concerning Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This event marks a significant step toward improving the protection of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina and promoting joint initiatives in combating gender-based violence.

The roundtable gathered domestic and international experts, representatives of relevant institutions, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders working on human rights protection and the prevention of violence against women.

In addition to Minister Hurtić, key participants included Johanna Nelles, Executive Secretary of the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe, and Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose experience and expertise enriched the discussion.

In his address, Minister Hurtić emphasized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment to fully implementing the recommendations of the Istanbul Convention, stressing that violence against women is a serious societal issue requiring active and coordinated action from all relevant institutions.

He particularly highlighted the importance of continuous improvement of the legislative framework, greater investment in preventive programs, training of professionals working with victims of violence, and ensuring safe and accessible shelters for women who have suffered violence.

“Today’s gathering aims to enhance our joint fight against violence against women and ensure that every form of violence is met with an appropriate response from the state and society. Bosnia and Herzegovina is committed to fulfilling its international obligations, and the implementation of the Istanbul Convention and GREVIO’s recommendations is a priority for our ministry,” said Minister Hurtić, expressing gratitude to the Council of Europe for its continuous support.

Johanna Nelles, Executive Secretary of the Istanbul Convention, emphasized that GREVIO’s recommendations are an important tool for improving institutional support for women victims of violence and commended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress in implementing these recommendations.

Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stressed that the Council of Europe is ready to provide comprehensive support to BiH institutions to strengthen protective mechanisms and assist in establishing an effective system for preventing violence against women.

The event underscored the importance of the Istanbul Convention as an international standard in combating violence against women and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dedication to enhancing the protection and rights of all women in the country.