The Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies at the Ludovika University of Public Service and the Eötvös József Research Centre’s European Strategy Research Institute organised a lecture titled “Challenges in Protecting Human Rights in Divided Societies – The Case of Bosnia and Herzegovina” as part of the Ludovika Scholars Program (LSP). The lecture was presented by Nevenko Vranješ, associate professor at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Banja Luka and Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event was opened by Prof Réka Varga, Dean of the FPGIS, and Iván Gyurcsík, LSP Program Director. In his opening speech, Mr Gyurcsík said that the LSP was launched in July 2022 in alignment with Rector Gergely Deli’s initiatives to internationalise the region.
Prof. Vranješ presented his lecture within a broader socio-historical and economic-political context. He said that while globalisation has brought economic growth and technological progress, it has also led to greater social inequality and reduced cultural diversity and environmental protection. He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina was under the influence of foreign powers for centuries, which negatively affected the development of democratic values. He emphasised that although the Dayton Peace Agreement ended the 1992–1995 Bosnian civil war, it did not bring about genuine reconciliation between the nations. He highlighted that the ethnically defined political system struggles with significant efficiency issues.
Prof. Vranješ stated that in 2023, the Ombudsman’s Office handled nearly 2,800 complaints, primarily related to violations of civil and political rights, as well as economic and social rights. Frequent complaints included police misconduct, corruption, delays in the legal system, and discrimination.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening the rule of law and the justice system, developing a modern public administration, and implementing measures to restore damage caused by war. In his opinion, the restoration of reconciliation and trust in institutions is a prerequisite for stability and social development.
Text: Tímea Zsivity
Photo: Dénes Szilágyi