Newsroom
OSCE Mission commends success in fighting workplace discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina
SARAJEVO 17 April 2003
SARAJEVO, 17 April 2003 - Twenty-four employers from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), who have successfully participated in OSCE's Fair Employment Project, are shortly to receive commendation certificates in Mostar, Travnik, Banja Luka and Zenica.
Since April 2002 when it was launched, 17 private and public companies, as well as seven municipal administrators, have participated in the project. All are based in areas where the return rate of minority groups is high. The goal of the project is to promote equal employment opportunities to reduce discrimination, create conditions for sustainable return and facilitate the free movement of workers.
"Our participation in this project gave us new insights into the principles of equal employment practices," said Sefkija Betonjic, Director General of Natron Company in Maglaj. "It helped us improve certain aspects of our work, and we recommend others to participate in projects like this one, if they get the chance."
With technical advice provided by the OSCE, the 24 employers successfully adopted the principles of equal job opportunities. They changed internal regulations and personnel policies to incorporate equal opportunities policies, began to advertise vacancies widely, and adapted internal practices to implement equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment relationship. As a result of such practices a number of returnees were employed at the areas of their return, in companies that participated in the Fair Employment Project.
"The OSCE will continue to promote fair employment practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its work with employers, employees and legislators," said Ambassador Robert Beecroft, head of the OSCE Mission. The Mission extended its appreciation to the employers involved in the Fair Employment Project for their commitment in promoting fair and non-discriminatory practices in employment, he said, and looked forward to follow their continued efforts and progress.
"The Mission invites the largest employers in BiH, especially public companies and government administration, to adopt the Fair Employment Policy, in which they will have all the support from the OSCE," he added.
Since April 2002 when it was launched, 17 private and public companies, as well as seven municipal administrators, have participated in the project. All are based in areas where the return rate of minority groups is high. The goal of the project is to promote equal employment opportunities to reduce discrimination, create conditions for sustainable return and facilitate the free movement of workers.
"Our participation in this project gave us new insights into the principles of equal employment practices," said Sefkija Betonjic, Director General of Natron Company in Maglaj. "It helped us improve certain aspects of our work, and we recommend others to participate in projects like this one, if they get the chance."
With technical advice provided by the OSCE, the 24 employers successfully adopted the principles of equal job opportunities. They changed internal regulations and personnel policies to incorporate equal opportunities policies, began to advertise vacancies widely, and adapted internal practices to implement equal opportunities in all aspects of the employment relationship. As a result of such practices a number of returnees were employed at the areas of their return, in companies that participated in the Fair Employment Project.
"The OSCE will continue to promote fair employment practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its work with employers, employees and legislators," said Ambassador Robert Beecroft, head of the OSCE Mission. The Mission extended its appreciation to the employers involved in the Fair Employment Project for their commitment in promoting fair and non-discriminatory practices in employment, he said, and looked forward to follow their continued efforts and progress.
"The Mission invites the largest employers in BiH, especially public companies and government administration, to adopt the Fair Employment Policy, in which they will have all the support from the OSCE," he added.