Days of Civic Participation: “Democracy for All - Inclusion and Activism” returns to the streets of Bosnian cities for the second consecutive year. From August 27 to 29 in Maglaj, and from August 29 to 31 in Breza, Cazin, Doboj, Odžak, Prnjavor, and Srbac, citizens will have the opportunity to openly identify key challenges in their communities that they believe require priority systemic solutions. These challenges will be presented to local authorities, businesses, and civil society organizations in the mentioned communities with the support of the PRAGG project, aiming to find mechanisms for their resolution.

“We aim to ensure that citizens' voices are heard and that concrete initiatives for problem-solving are implemented in practice. We want to encourage broader citizen participation in public processes and foster dialogue, cooperation, and transparency between citizens and local authorities. PRAGG will certainly support citizen groups in advocating solutions for some of these issues,” said Slaviša Prorok, PRAGG project manager.

The Days of Civic Participation are organized to allow citizens to learn about various ways to engage in the local community, participate in discussions on important social issues, and receive information about their rights and responsibilities. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of inclusion and empowering vulnerable groups within the community. This year’s events will include workshops, discussions, and promotional campaigns where citizens will have the chance to learn about their rights and how they can influence local policies, as well as exchange ideas and initiatives for community improvement.

“Switzerland, as a country with direct democracy, supports greater citizen participation in decision-making processes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The PRAGG project is significant because it empowers citizens to actively engage in public life in their local environments and demand greater accountability from elected municipal officials,” stated Snežana Kanostrevac-Cvijetić, Program Manager at the Swiss Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Citizen participation in decision-making within the political and public spheres is crucial for establishing and maintaining democratic governance, the rule of law, and the advancement of all human rights. Civil society can offer new forms of solidarity and work that bring solutions, and civic activism is needed across all areas of society. With local elections coming up in October, it is important for citizens, civil society, and authorities to work together to advance society through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.