In a debate on 10 May 2023, the UN Security Council addressed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Switzerland has been involved on the ground for over 30 years. More than 60,000 people from Bosnia and Herzegovina live in Switzerland today. "Our countries are closely linked. We contribute to lasting peace, security, prosperity and good governance in the country," said Swiss UN Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl in the Security Council. She also recalled the important work of the peacekeeping mission EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which contributes significantly to securing peace in a region where tensions are once again on the rise.
Almost 30 years after the war, the broader society in Bosnia and Herzegovina still faces challenges that are deeply rooted and require lasting solutions. Despite certain positive developments in the field of human rights, hate speech and the reinterpretation of historical events persist. "We urge to refrain from any rhetoric of discord," Baeriswyl underlined in New York. To overcome these challenges, the promotion of the countries’ unity through fostering respect for the diversity and fundamental freedoms of the people is key. To this end, all political actors must work hand in hand to serve the interest of the entire population. In this context, the participation of women and youth in political decision-making processes is central as it benefits the reconciliation process and society in general. In addition, the rights of minorities must be protected and the freedom of the media and assembly guaranteed and strengthened.
The Balkan state has officially been a candidate for EU membership since December 2022. "Switzerland will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina on its European path. We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its peaceful and multi-ethnic future," said Pascale Baeriswyl in the Council.
Statement by Switzerland on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
