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UN rights office warns against rising hate speech in Western Balkans |



Spokesperson Liz Throssell speak OHCHR has been deeply concerned by recent incidents in both countries that have seen individuals glorify atrocities and convicted war criminals, targeting certain communities with hate speech and, in some cases, directly incite violence.

The fear is that such actions – fueled by continued incitement, nationalism and hate speech by some politicians – will increase this year, on the eve of vote.

“As we have repeatedly emphasized, the rise in hate speech, denial of genocide and other atrocities, and glorification of war criminals in the Western Balkans, highlights the failure in a comprehensive settlement of the past,” she speaks.

Confront the survivors

The incidents occurred between religious holidays last weekend, and took place at several locations in Republika Srpska, the Serb-run entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in Brčko in the north, and in other parts of the country. the Serbian cities of Priboj and Novi Pazar.

They include large groups of people chanting the names of convicted war criminals and former Bosnian Serb army leader Ratko Mladić during torch relays, or singing nationalist songs calling took over various locations in the former Yugoslavia. In one incident, individuals shot into the air as they drove past a mosque.

“These incidents, some in locations that witnessed large-scale atrocities during the wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina … are a pain for survivors, including those who have returned. to their home after the conflict,” Mrs. Throssell said.

Fair investigation

Failure to prevent or punish them is a major obstacle to trust-building and reconciliation, she added.

“Serious incidents like this should promptly, effectively and objectively investigated, to prevent them from repeating and perpetuating, and also to promote public trust in authorities and organizations as well as between communities, which is essential to building cohesion. social cohesion and peaceful societies. ”

OHCHR is encouraged that a number of senior politicians, as well as religious leaders, have condemned these practices and that police have begun an investigation.

Prevent recurrence

Ms. Throssell stressed the need for authorities in both countries to comply with their international obligations to guarantee the rights to truth, justice and redress.

“They should also take measures to prevent a recurrence and promote further reconciliation efforts,” she said. “We urge them to condemn and refrain from any policy of national, racial or religious hatred.”

Furthermore, she recalled that the participating countries International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which includes Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, is obligated to ensure that inciting discrimination, hostility and violence is prohibited in law and in practice.

“All perpetrators and instigators of such acts must be held accountable,” she said.



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