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SARAJEVO, 9 December 2016 – The UN General Assembly proclaimed 10th of December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to draw attention to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. UNFPA works to empower individuals and communities to claim their rights through various strategies, including awareness-raising, trainings and life-skills projects. Protecting the human rights – including reproductive rights – of all people is a precondition for individual well-being and collective sustainable growth.

As part of this year’s International Campaign UNiTE - “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” which was purposely created to be between 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and 10 December, Human Rights Day, the UNFPA in Bosnia and Herzegovina supported initiatives relating to gender based violence and reproductive health and rights.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, one in four women is suffering from at least one form of gender based violence. The research shows that three quarters of the general public are in favor of further empowerment and assistance to survivors of conflict related violence.

In this regard, young people and community leaders strengthened their skills in theatre based education and proposed innovative approaches to tackling issues relating to gender based and conflict related sexual violence. Additionally, media professionals learnt about advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the public fora.

“It is important to recognise the commendable efforts undertaken by various actors in BiH that challenge dominant social stereotypes, deconstructing prejudices against marginalised groups or for significant contribution in advancing human rights. To this end, on the occasion of Human Rights Day, five winners from Bosnia and Herzegovina were presented with the Annual UNFPA Award. We are grateful to our partners from the British, Norwegian and Swiss embassies for the longstanding support and for joining us in celebration of these efforts today”, stated Dr. Doina Bologa, UNFPA Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.