Strengthening institutional responses to gender-based violence, ensuring the integrity of upcoming elections, as well as anti-corruption efforts were among the key subjects of today's official visit to the Central Bosnia Canton by Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The visit began in Travnik, where Ambassador Holtzapple met with Cantonal Prime Minister Tahir Lendo. Discussions focused on concrete steps toward establishing and operationalizing an independent anti-corruption office, with particular emphasis on ensuring its functional independence and securing adequate resources for effective work.
The Head of Mission also expressed appreciation for the Canton's support in developing a new Gender Action Plan. The topic was further addressed as Ambassador Holtzapple opened the Thematic Session of the Cantonal Assembly on gender-based and domestic violence. He underlined that, despite significant legal and institutional progress, further efforts are needed to ensure consistent implementation of existing frameworks, stronger inter-institutional coordination, improved services for survivors, and a more effective, victim-centred response across all levels of governance.
The visit concluded in Busovača, where Ambassador Holtzapple met with Mayor Asim Mekić. He highlighted the importance of strong local leadership and institutional co-operation in ensuring that upcoming elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to supporting authorities across the country in strengthening good governance, promoting accountability, addressing gender-based and domestic violence, and delivering tangible improvements for citizens.
