In light of the recent public statement by the Federal Minister of Justice, Vedran Škobić, in which he expressed a negative stance on introducing femicide as a separate criminal offense in the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we find it necessary to express serious concern over such statements that marginalize the issue of violence against women and trivialize femicide, a crime in which women lose their lives simply because of their gender.

The minister's inappropriate comment, which also references Croatia's decision earlier this year to recognize the murder of a woman as a separate crime, reflects a deep misunderstanding of the gravity of this issue. Such a stance sends the message that femicide is not considered a distinct and serious problem, and that an adequate response to the violence women face daily is lacking.

The statistics on the murders of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina clearly demonstrate the need for a more decisive and concrete legislative response. As evidence of the importance of this issue, the Initiative to introduce femicide as a separate criminal offense in the Criminal Code has gathered 4,000 signatures from citizens and the support of 14 lawmakers who publicly backed the initiative in just a month and a half. Every loss of a woman's life due to her gender represents a collective failure and a social tragedy that we cannot ignore. Such a crime is not just an individual matter, but an issue that requires an institutional response and accountability.

We invite the Minister Škobić to recognize this serious issue and stop ridiculing the efforts to classify femicide as a separate criminal offense. We expect him and all responsible political actors to demonstrate the political will to address the problem of violence against women, rather than diminishing and relativizing it. Introducing femicide as a distinct criminal offense is one of the key steps toward recognizing and combating this form of violence, and toward building a safer society for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The organization "Glas žene" Bihać, together with its partners – the Association "Tim volim život" Cazin, the Association "Ženska vizija" Tuzla, the Association "Izvor" Sanski Most, and the Foundation CURE – has, in response to the aforementioned statement by Federal Minister Škobić, submitted an Initiative for the amendment and supplementation of the Criminal Code of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Government of the Federation, specifically addressed to the Prime Minister of the Federation and each individual Federal Ministry.

"In the submitted Initiative, we have requested that the Government of the Federation accept our proposal to introduce femicide as a separate criminal offense by including it in the suggestions of Minister Škobić, or, if necessary, to return Minister Škobić’s proposal for further revision and supplementation to include femicide as a distinct criminal offense. In addition, we expect the support of lawmakers and delegates in the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina", said Neira Raković, project coordinator.

We believe it is the duty of all government representatives to support legislative changes that will ensure justice for victims and prevent future violence against women.  

For more information about the campaign and the project, please visit our website at www.zenskamreza.ba or our Facebook page Ženska mreža BiH.