Democracy for All: Inclusion and Activism

Days of Civic Participation: “Democracy for All - Inclusion and Activism” are coming to the streets of Bosnian cities for the second year in a row. 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.

“In this way, we strive to ensure that the voices of citizens 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 for solutions to some of these problems,” said Slaviša Prorok, PRAGG project manager.

The Days of Civic Participation are organized to enable citizens to learn about different ways of engaging in the local community, participate in discussions on important social issues, and receive information about citizens’ rights and responsibilities. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups in the community. This year, workshops, discussions, and promotional campaigns are planned where citizens will have the opportunity to learn about their rights and possibilities to influence local policies, as well as to exchange their 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 communities and to demand greater accountability from elected municipal officials,” said Snežana Kanostrevac-Cvijetić, program manager at the Swiss Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Citizen participation in decision-making in the political and public life sphere 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 in all areas of society. Given that in October citizens will elect their representatives in local government, it is important that citizens, civil society, and authorities work together on the progress of society through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

PRAGG is funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by a consortium consisting of HELVETAS and NIRAS, in partnership with local partners - Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.