At a meeting dedicated to promoting and strengthening respect for human rights in the business sector in BiH, representatives of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the Joint Committee on Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, the Human Rights and Freedoms Committee of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH, the Human Rights Protection Committee of the Brčko District Assembly, and the Committee on Equal Opportunities of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska, together with representatives of civil society, reaffirmed their shared commitment to this important area.
As highlighted during the meeting, which also included representatives of the Institute for Youth Development KULT, a long-standing partner to institutions in advancing human rights and developing business standards, economic growth and profit in modern society cannot and must not come at the expense of human rights. Institutional representatives emphasized that “human rights must be the foundation on which we build a society of trust and sustainable, modern business practices.”
The meeting, held at the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH, brought together key state and entity institutions responsible for monitoring and advancing human rights, alongside representatives of civil society. It confirmed the shared commitment of BiH institutions to ensuring respect for human rights in the business environment and to continuing the country’s efforts to meet its international obligations.
Participants stressed that business success can never come at the expense of the dignity and rights of employees, and that human rights must form the foundation for building trust, social responsibility, and sustainable economic growth. It was also noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to align with international standards and European trends in the field of corporate social responsibility.
During the meeting, the Executive Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT, Ajka Rovčanin, presented the Charter on Business and Human Rights in Business to the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH. The Charter was accepted on behalf of the Minister, Sevlid Hurtić, by his advisor Elvir Rožnjaković.
Rožnjaković stated that the document is not merely a symbolic recognition but also reflects the responsibility and maturity of the BiH society and its business community to place the individual and their rights at the center of all activities.
“At a time when economic growth often comes with challenges related to environmental protection and equal opportunities, we must not forget that human rights are the foundations upon which we build our states and companies, our economy, and a society of trust. By adopting the Charter, we affirm that human rights and business are inextricable from each other,” he said.
He also pointed out that this initiative carries a deeper message that institutions and the private sector are ready to partner and work together to create workplaces where every person is respected, diversity is valued, discrimination is prevented, and social dialogue is supported. This, he added, is the clearest proof that human rights are not only a legal matter, but also a value to be upheld every day – at work, in the community, and in business relations.
In her remarks, KULT’s Executive Director Ajka Rovčanin reflected on what the Institute has achieved in this area in recent years, emphasizing that KULT has been recognized as a strategic partner to institutions, especially at the local government level, but also at higher levels, in developing and implementing youth strategies.
When it comes to human rights more broadly, Rovčanin noted that special attention is given to marginalized groups, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, little focus has traditionally been placed on the human rights of employees themselves. To address this, the Institute, together with the relevant ministry, pioneered efforts to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
“In partnership with the Ministry, we have successfully developed and adopted the Framework Guidelines for the Protection of Human Rights in Business in BiH, the first document of its kind in the country, aligned with UN principles. Through the continuation of the project, supported by the European Union, work is now underway to develop the first Policy on Respect for Human Rights in Business in BiH, which will support the practical implementation of these principles,” Rovčanin explained.
Equally significant is the fact that 159 Charters on Business and Human Rights have been signed to date, including by 22 local governments, as well as numerous companies and institutions. This result demonstrates the growing readiness of both the private and public sectors to improve labor standards, promote equality, prevent discrimination, and foster workplaces based on dignity and equal opportunities for all.
The meeting at the Parliamentary Assembly further reaffirmed that institutions at all levels are the first and key partners in building a modern, responsible, and inclusive business community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants also expressed their commitment to further strengthening this process. With continued joint efforts and open dialogue, BiH is taking steady steps toward creating a society in which human rights are not seen merely as a legal obligation but as a value upheld and protected every day.
These activities are part of the project “Improving Human Rights Corporate Accountability in BiH”, funded by the European Union in BiH and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, in partnership with the Commerce Trade and Services Trade Union of BiH and the Association “Dajte nam šansu.”
