A press conference was held today in the foyer of the Brčko District Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina to mark the launch of a campaign aimed at establishing a legal framework for citizens’ initiatives in Brčko. The campaign is being implemented by the Association of Citizens "Demos", in partnership with the Plural Foundation, the Nature Lovers Club, and the Association "Posavina Without Mines".

At the conference, speakers emphasized that citizens are increasingly initiating proposals and petitions—ranging from environmental protection and the establishment of a city cemetery, to initiatives concerning social rights and transparency in public spending. However, due to the absence of a Law on Citizens’ Initiatives, these voices often go unanswered by institutions.

“Brčko is practically the only local community in BiH that still lacks a law regulating citizens’ initiatives. People are making efforts—through petitions, letters, and public statements—to express their will, but in practice, institutions are under no obligation to respond,” said Damjan Dundžić, project coordinator from the Demos association.

Adis Mujdanović, President of the Plural Foundation, highlighted that the lack of legislation discourages citizens and the civil sector alike.
“It is our responsibility to create space for citizens to participate. This campaign is not asking for anything extraordinary—only for citizens to be granted a right that logically belongs to them: to take part in decision-making processes that affect their daily lives,” said Mujdanović.

The campaign seeks to initiate a legislative process that would enable citizens to propose solutions to local issues through clearly defined procedures. The goal is to have the adoption of the Law included in the Brčko District Government’s 2025 work plan, and to establish a working group tasked with drafting the law.

This campaign is part of the PRAGG project, financed by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by a consortium led by HELVETAS and NIRAS, in partnership with local partners—Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.