THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Abstract

The concept of human rights refers to the concept that is based on the idea that human beings have univer- sal natural rights or status regardless of an independent legal jurisdiction or other factors such as citizenship, gender or ethnicity. According to the Universal declaration of human rights, they can be divided into four groups: personal rights, political and civil rights, economic and cultural rights and the rights of the third generation. Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, it is evident that those human rights are conceptually based on the inherent human dignity and that they maintain their universal and inalienable character.

As of the legal aspect, it can be said that the human rights are defined in both international law and internal law in many countries. However, for many people, the doctrine of human rights has extra-legal character, and in that aspect, makes a fundamental moral basis for the regulation of the contemporary geopolitical order. Human rights appear to be democratic ideals. Bosnia and Herzegovina has done very little to harmonize its legislation and practi- ces within binding international standards. There is a constant violation of human rights and freedoms as well as the absence of the rule of law and legal state, which is evident. In the last year, there was an escalation of attacks against human rights defenders, journalist and the media, which reflected as an attack on media freedom and freedom of information to the public.

On the one hand, these rights are legal facts which suggest that human rights are not merely an institution, but that they can also grow and change, whereas on the other hand, new problems that seem to endanger the univer- sal right to life of all people have been identified. Through my paper, I will try to explain the condition of respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms in Bosnia and Herzegovina.