The European Union and the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Rijaset of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organised a series of two-day capacity-building events in October aimed at reducing and protecting from hate speech and hate crimes in local communities.

Initiated by the Rijaset of the Islamic Community, these sessions held in Banja Luka, Zenica, and Sarajevo, equipped 74 Imams from all eight Muftiships, along with representatives of the Rijaset, to help them develop their capacities for recognising hate speech and hate crimes, inform them about the existing protection mechanisms, and encourage them to contribute to decreasing hatred in their communities. Presentations about available instruments and mechanisms were provided by the representatives of the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, as well as the BiH Institution of Human Rights Ombudspersons.

The Council of Europe actively promotes interreligious dialogue, engaging with all religious communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to foster mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing societal challenges. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote tolerance and understanding, contributing to peaceful coexistence and reducing incidents of hate in the country.

Participants found the trainings helpful in identifying forms of hatred, with a clear commitment to applying the knowledge within their communities.

The three events were supported by the action “Towards an equal, inclusive and tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina”, which is implemented within the framework of the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and by the Council of Europe’s project “Combating discrimination, hatred and racism in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.