Vasa prava BiH

EU Legislative Interests

Vaša Prava BiH (VPBiH) supports the implementation and promotion of EU legislative and policy frameworks that advance human rights protection, access to justice, and the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In line with the EU acquis and BiH’s European integration process, VPBiH’s work focuses on monitoring, advocacy, and technical assistance related to the approximation of domestic laws and practices with EU standards in the following areas: 1. Fundamental Rights and Justice VPBiH targets EU initiatives under the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the EU Rule of Law Mechanism, and the EU Justice Agenda. The organization contributes to reforms supporting judicial independence, access to legal aid, procedural fairness, and non-discrimination. Its advocacy is aligned with the EU Strategy for the Western Balkans, particularly regarding Chapters 23 and 24 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights; Justice, Freedom, and Security). 2. Migration, Asylum, and Integration Policy VPBiH promotes compliance with the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and the EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021–2027, focusing on fair asylum procedures, protection of vulnerable migrants, and dignified treatment in line with the EU Reception Conditions Directive, Qualification Directive, and Return Directive. The organization engages with national and regional partners to ensure that migration management in BiH reflects EU and international humanitarian standards. 3. Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings and Gender-Based Violence VPBiH actively follows and advocates for the implementation of the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive (2011/36/EU), the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings 2021–2025, and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence (2022/0066 COD). Its work focuses on improving victim identification, access to justice, and cooperation between law enforcement, judiciary, and civil society actors. 4. Protection of Stateless Persons and Inclusion of Roma and Minorities VPBiH contributes to the implementation of the EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation 2020–2030, the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy, and related Council conclusions. It also advocates for recognition and protection of stateless persons in line with EU and UNHCR guidelines, addressing discrimination and barriers to birth registration, residence, and access to services. 5. Digital Rights and Data Protection In the context of its work on sextortion, online exploitation, and digital legal aid tools, VPBiH supports the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EU Digital Services Act (DSA). It promotes the safe and rights-based use of digital platforms for reporting crimes, protecting privacy, and increasing access to justice. 6. Civil Society, Governance, and Enlargement Policy VPBiH’s advocacy aligns with the EU Civil Society Enlargement Facility, the EU Rule of Law Toolbox, and the European Democracy Action Plan, supporting inclusive policymaking and civic participation. Through project cooperation with EU-funded initiatives, VPBiH strengthens institutional accountability, transparency, and public trust in democratic governance.

Communication Activities

Vaša Prava BiH (VPBiH) carries out a broad range of communication, visibility, and advocacy activities designed to raise public awareness, support policy dialogue, and promote alignment with EU standards in the areas of justice, migration, anti-trafficking, and fundamental rights. These activities are implemented in cooperation with EU-funded programs, international partners, and national institutions. 1. Awareness-Raising Campaigns VPBiH regularly develops and implements public information campaigns on access to justice, trafficking in human beings, statelessness, and gender-based violence, directly contributing to the EU’s human rights, migration, and equality priorities. Examples include the regional campaign “Digitalisation of Migrant Smuggling” and the nationwide awareness campaign “Report Sextortion – Protect Your Privacy!”, both aligned with EU efforts under the Anti-Trafficking Directive and the EU Gender Equality Strategy. Campaigns are conducted through social media, traditional media, and community events, with content tailored to multilingual and vulnerable audiences. 2. Events and Policy Dialogues VPBiH organizes and participates in conferences, expert roundtables, and public consultations addressing reforms related to justice, migration, and fundamental rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans. Key examples include regional events on prevention of statelessness and legal identity within the EU Roma Strategic Framework, as well as consultations on the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy. These events engage representatives of state ministries, the EU Delegation to BiH, UN agencies, and civil society, fostering coordination in line with EU Chapter 23 and 24 priorities. 3. Publications and Research VPBiH produces studies, reports, and policy papers that contribute to evidence-based policymaking and EU integration. Notable publications include: “Digitalisation of Migrant Smuggling: Legal and Operational Challenges and Recommendations for Improving Responses in BiH, Serbia and Montenegro” (supported by EU funds); “Legal Aid Provision and Access to Rights for Stateless and At-Risk Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina”; and Annual and thematic reports on trafficking in human beings, gender-based violence, and access to justice for vulnerable groups. These publications are disseminated to government institutions, EU bodies, and partner organizations to inform policy development and reform initiatives. 4. Media, Online Platforms, and Education VPBiH maintains several digital platforms and media channels to increase transparency and access to legal information. Notable examples include: the “Medijska Prava” platform (media rights and protection of journalists), the “Iznuda” platform (for reporting sextortion), and the “Smuggle Alert” web app (for reporting migrant smuggling). These tools are promoted through EU-aligned communication standards and serve to raise awareness of EU fundamental rights, digital safety, and data protection frameworks (including GDPR and DSA principles). 5. Collaboration and Visibility VPBiH regularly collaborates with EU-funded regional initiatives and donor projects to enhance visibility of EU values in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its communication materials consistently follow EU visibility and branding guidelines, displaying EU support through logos, disclaimers, and messaging that reinforces EU commitment to the rule of law, equality, and human dignity.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

Vaša Prava BiH (VPBiH) is a member of several European and regional networks that promote access to justice, human rights protection, and social inclusion. These memberships strengthen cooperation, policy dialogue, and exchange of best practices across the Western Balkans and the European Union. VPBiH is a member of the following organizations and networks: European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) – EU-funded alliance of NGOs supporting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers across Europe. European Network on Statelessness (ENS) – EU-supported civil society network dedicated to addressing statelessness and ensuring the right to nationality. Balkan Refugee and Migration Council (BRMC) – regional platform uniting leading NGOs from the Western Balkans to coordinate advocacy and protection activities related to migration and asylum. International Social Service (ISS) – global network supporting cross-border child protection, access to justice, and family reunification initiatives. More information on VPBiH’s partnerships and network affiliations is available at: https://vasaprava.org/