The presentation of the findings and recommendations from the Hate Crimes Underreporting Survey by the OSCE Mission to BiH in Sarajevo today highlights the critical factors contributing to the widespread underreporting of hate crimes: fear of reprisal, lack of trust in the justice system, and inadequate mechanisms for reporting and recording.
The Hate Crimes Underreporting Survey (Survey), conducted between June and October 2023, aimed to provide the first systematic account of experiences related to potential hate crimes and incidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). This initiative establishes an evidence base for both official and non-governmental stakeholders, serving as a crucial resource in the ongoing effort to combat hate crimes.
Thomas Busch, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized: "Hate crimes are not just acts of discriminatory violence against individuals; they are assaults on the very fabric of society, eroding the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights. This report represents the voices of those directly impacted and calls for action to address systemic shortcomings in addressing such acts."
According to the Survey results, the most common types of potential crimes and incidents experienced include in-person insults, verbal assaults, offensive gestures, and harassment. Survey respondents reported experiencing 562 potential hate crimes and incidents at least once in the previous 12 months, with some reporting victimization more than once. It's important to note that these numbers reflect the experiences of only 2,438 Survey respondents from 18 municipalities/cities in BiH. Extrapolating this data across the entire population would likely reveal a significantly higher number of potential hate crimes and incidents.
"Through the dedication of researchers, activists, and community leaders, the project has shed unprecedented light into the extent of underreporting and the obstacles that hinder access to justice for victims of hate crimes," said Stefan Almehagen Sandstad, Chargé d'affaires at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Sarajevo. "Let us continue to advocate for tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, and to work towards shaping a future where hatred finds no harbour in our societies."
Addressing hate crimes necessitates a multifaceted approach involving legal reforms, training, community engagement, and public awareness. It requires steadfast commitment from government institutions, civil society organizations, and every individual dedicated to upholding the principles of equality and justice.
The Survey, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and commissioned by the OSCE Mission to BiH, is part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Mission to BiH to combat hate crimes in BiH.
