United Nations Security Council Debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina

Colleagues,
Ghana considers the continuing presence of the European Union Multinational Stabilization Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR/ALTHEA) an important factor for maintaining post-conflict stability and guaranteeing a secure environment in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it has done for the past 18 years.
 
Ghana thanks Ireland for its role as penholder for the resolution and, like other delegations, believe that a substantive resolution would better help to advance the peace agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We urge the Council’s future efforts in that direction.
 
We regret the inability of the High Representative to participate in this meeting as a result of the lack of consensus on the matter. The collaborative exchanges between the Council and the Office of the High Representative, through his briefings, helps to better appreciate the complex political situation that pertains in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We therefore hope that in the future, the Council would be able to resume its established format for this meeting.
 
We thank the High Representative for his latest report on the implementation of the Peace Agreements on Bosnia and Herzegovina and welcome his prioritization of the constitutional and electoral rights of the people as elaborated in the report.
 
With the confirmation of the results of the general elections by the Central Election Commission last month, the political leaders of the various entities must now work in a collaborative and constructive manner to bring about the promise of peace and prosperity for all the people.
 
The effective implementation of the Peace Agreements on Bosnia and Herzegovina hinges on the effective functioning of its state institutions. Unfortunately, political deadlock and blockages continue to assail any progress in this regard. We, therefore, welcome the Enactments made by the High Representative to facilitate the establishment of the primary organs of state and the speedy formation of a new government.
 
The commitments by the leaders of the entities and political consensus on the High Representative’s “functionality package” remain vital for a fully functional government. This forms the basis of our recommendations to the High Representative to forge close cooperation with all the sides and to address their legitimate concerns in a manner that fosters confidence and builds trust.
 
Noting the impact that the continuing political deadlock and blockage has on the fragile peace that has held since the end of the brutal war, we call once again on all political actors and stakeholders to forge a collaborative arrangement that helps to fulfill commitments and obligations under the provisions of the Peace Agreement.
 
We remain concerned by the impact of the divisive discourse on the multi-ethnic communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It lies in the collective interest of the people to refrain from such rhetoric and nationalist approaches. In our view, the political aspirations of all sides can be attained through good faith dialogue and negotiations.
 
Aside the political security that it offers, the aspirations of the people for European integration must be supported as a pathway to address the widespread socio-economic challenges. We encourage, in this regard, the redoubling of efforts on key reforms, in particular, on democratic governance, rule of law, human rights, public administration reform and other indicators outlined by the European Union Council in its 2019 report.
 
The mass exodus of the youth out of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a sign that all is not well. The leaders must envision goals and pursue action for a stable and productive nation that offers equal and decent work opportunities for those in whose hands the future of the country lies. We also regret the low participation of women in political leadership and urge the prioritization of gender empowerment and equality at all levels.
 
Finally, we urge the unified support of the Council and the international community for the sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We must sustain our support for the reconciliation and the peaceful co-existence of all its people.
 
I thank you.