(Sarajevo, March 8, 2013) Every year on March 8, people around the world celebrate the International Women’s Day meant to remember and acknowledge the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This year, the focus is on ending violence, which is still a horrific reality for many women all over the world. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the UN Agencies, the governments and civil society organizations are contributing to protect women’s right to live free of violence

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic violence is directed against women and children five times more often than against men. Recently published BiH Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey indicates that five percent of women and six percent of men believe that husband/partner has a right to beat his wife/partner. 

While we are celebrating that day, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 57) is taking place at United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year’s priority theme at the Commission is the elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United Nations Agencies, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNV and UN WOMEN joint their efforts to raise the awareness among the BiH society through the campaign “Men United to Say No to Violence against Women”. Within the campaign, the “Real Men League” was established gathering men leaders in different fields and walks of life who take a firm stand to end violence against women.  Beside the joint work, each UN Agency globally and locally, is putting efforts and organizing events to bring attention to women’s rights.

This week, with the support of UN Women, and on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina the Chairman of the Council of Ministers Vjekoslav Bevanda has joined on behalf the Global Campaign COMMIT, which is a call for all governments to implement legislation and take measures for combating violence against women.

“In the recent years, BiH has made efforts to combat violence against women and girls. However, despite the progress made, it is important and necessary to continue to provide support to prevent violence through laws and regulations, as well as through education” - said Bevanda.

The Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence provides an excellent framework for committing governments to act against all forms of gender-based violence. Five countries in the Region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia have already signed the convention (Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine). We hope the BiH Government to follow on this example.