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OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina trained over 50 local NGOs in coalition and partnership building
SARAJEVO 22 June 2000
SARAJEVO, 22 June 2000 - In order to encourage local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to play an active role in the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to constitute an active counterbalance to the political parties in power, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted between 12 and 21 June three regional coalition and partnership building training sessions in Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Tuzla. The sessions were designed to provide NGOs with the tools and skills needed to build regional coalitions around topics like corruption, ecology, women and youth.
"Regional and local NGOs have the potential for playing a crucial role for this country during the next few months if they develop joint strategies," said Ambassador Robert L. Barry, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Then, NGOs will be strong enough to successfully lobby for their issues in the pre-election period, hold the politicians accountable in the post-election phase and ultimately effectuate democratic change in Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Over 60 participants from more than 50 local NGOs came from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate actively in the workshops and discussions. Realizing that they have to join their strength if they want to effectuate change, a number of NGOs already started to work on forming coalitions and establishing co-operation plans.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE Mission activities are to promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of Professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
MEDIA CONTACT: For information, contact the Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (+387-33) 292 172; fax: (+387-33) 292 289; website: www.oscebih.org; e-mail: [email protected]
"Regional and local NGOs have the potential for playing a crucial role for this country during the next few months if they develop joint strategies," said Ambassador Robert L. Barry, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Then, NGOs will be strong enough to successfully lobby for their issues in the pre-election period, hold the politicians accountable in the post-election phase and ultimately effectuate democratic change in Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Over 60 participants from more than 50 local NGOs came from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate actively in the workshops and discussions. Realizing that they have to join their strength if they want to effectuate change, a number of NGOs already started to work on forming coalitions and establishing co-operation plans.
The OSCE established its present Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 December 1995. In accordance with the General Framework Agreement for Peace, the OSCE Mission activities are to promote Democratization and the building of a vibrant civil society, foster the development of Professional journalism and monitor the rights of journalists, monitor and advance the Human Rights situation, supervise the conduct of Elections, and encourage Regional Stabilization through arms control and confidence and security-building measures. The OSCE Mission continues to work closely with other international organizations and local institutions to implement the Dayton Peace Accords.
MEDIA CONTACT: For information, contact the Press and Public Information, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, tel.: (+387-33) 292 172; fax: (+387-33) 292 289; website: www.oscebih.org; e-mail: [email protected]