The summary e-register of associations and foundations in BiH shows that there are as many as 27,432 civil society organizations, among which there are a huge number of so-called non-profit foundations, sports associations, trade unions and humanitarian organizations that are not considered classic development NGOs.
The public is not sufficiently informed about the activities of CSOs, so the perception of civil society in BiH, as well as in neighboring countries, is related to the already widely present and partially accepted category of “foreign” or “Sorošev mercenaries”, which is significantly contributed to by the media representation of CSOs, often created in accordance with the editorial policy given by those in power or owners of capital. This primarily applies to organizations that rely on Western funds, that promote social change and human rights.
At this moment, a wave has swept over the CSO sector and other segments of civil society in the Republic of Srpska, which has the intention of legally preventing the work of activist organizations. The Draft Law on the Special Register and Public Work of Non-Profit Organizations was prepared and sent to the RS Parliament . The law practically puts the language of hatred and intimidation towards CSOs into the legal framework, calling them ‘agents of foreign influence’, and imposes restrictive measures. It is particularly problematic that associations and foundations are prohibited from political activity. And as it says in the draft, “Political activity means any activity towards bodies, institutions or elected representatives of the Republic of Srpska or representatives of the Republic of Srpska in the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of formulating, adopting or changing the regulations and policies of the Republic of Srpska or in terms of political and public interest”. . Political activity and public interest is a broad term and it is estimated that ministry commissions can always find a reason to ban such organizations. It is especially terrible that all legal entities, and even ordinary citizens, can submit an application. A number of independent analysts call this law a cull for those who think differently from the authorities.
And what do the media think about it, as well as what is their coverage of CSOs in general, answered by this research.
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