As part of the project Improving Human Rights Corporate Accountability in BiH, implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT with financial support from the European Union, a workshop was held in the Municipality of Vogošća on human rights and the importance of applying these principles across all areas of business.
The Mayor of Vogošća thanked everyone present, noting that this marks another significant step in promoting the Charter on Business and Human Rights that the municipality has signed.
“We organised this workshop for municipal employees so they can better understand their rights, but also their responsibilities. We entered this process with a lot of enthusiasm, not alone as a municipality, but together with our local businesses. We’re encouraged that many of them have already signed the Charter, and we hope it won’t remain just words on a page, but will translate into practice and reflect the values we stand for,” the Mayor said.
He extended his gratitude to all local businesses, as well as to the European Union and the Institute for Youth Development KULT, which have partnered with the Municipality on this project.
Speaking on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mojca Krisper Figueroa, Team Leader, emphasised the importance of human rights.
“When it comes to human rights, the European Union has laws and directives that member states must follow, especially those concerning anti-discrimination and employment. Businesses carry significant responsibility toward their employees, and it is equally important that local communities, such as yours, actively promote and apply these principles. Corporate responsibility affects not only workers but society as a whole,” said Krisper Figueroa.
Discussing the project, Mira Mehmedović from the Institute for Youth Development KULT outlined the goals of the workshop and the importance of integrating human rights into business practices.
“Through this project, we conduct workshops to raise awareness of human rights, prevent discrimination, and explain legal avenues for protection. We’ve developed mechanisms that help companies and local communities establish or improve their human rights safeguards,” she explained.
She noted that the Framework Guidelines on Respecting Human Rights in the Business Sector were adopted at the end of 2022 and contain 31 principles, while the Human Rights Charter for Businesses includes 15 principles tailored to companies. So far, 150 companies across BiH have signed the Charter.
Mehmedović highlighted Vogošća’s strong commitment to promoting the Charter, pointing out that it is visibly displayed in the municipality’s service hall so citizens can see their dedication.
“Following the municipality’s invitation, ten local companies, including Vogošća Television, signed the Charter on Business and Human Rights. This is a good practice example and shows how human rights values can be lived and promoted through everyday work,” she added.
The workshop concluded with agreement that respecting human rights, fostering accountability, and working together are key to building strong local communities and moving Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to EU standards.
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.”
