Happy International Women's Day!
Sabina Ćudić, member of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Parliament, at the launch of the IPPFoRB SEE Network. Sarajevo, 2024. Photo: Funda Tekin
Women are pivotal in advancing human rights work for all. Their participation in promoting and protecting human rights is critical not only for achieving gender equality but also for ensuring the effectiveness, inclusivity, and sustainability of these fundamental rights globally. Today, we spotlight the insights of a woman in parliament dedicated to the advocacy and advancement of freedom of religion or belief for everyone.
In honor of International Women's Day, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Sabina Ćudić, a member of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Parliament. With a robust background as a political scientist holding a master's degree in human rights, Sabina has been deeply involved in the human rights sector through her work with non-governmental organizations prior to venturing into politics and academia, where she focuses on the political science of human rights. Sabina Ćudić is a woman human rights defender!
Women Human Rights Defenders
"Women human rights defenders" (WHRDs) are women and girls who, individually or in association with others, act to promote or protect human rights. (A/HRC/16/44, para. 30. 2010 Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya)
“WHRDs can be civil society representatives, grassroots activists, lawyers, journalists, parliamentarians, members of the judiciary, bloggers or vloggers, influencers, social workers, and health service providers who often play fundamental roles in ensuring that women and girls can exercise their rights. They are not always described as “women human rights defenders”, nor do they always self-identify as such.”
Women in Parliaments
The latest "Women in Parliament 2023" report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reveals a slight increase in the global representation of women in parliaments, reaching 26.9%, based on the results of elections and appointments over the course of 2023. Additionally, the report highlights the concerning trend of numerous prominent female politicians exiting the political arena this year. Many of these leaders have cited reasons such as burnout and the escalation of online harassment for their departure, emphasizing the challenges women face in the political domain.
The report supports that beyond championing the increase of women's representation in parliaments, it's imperative to ensure that these legislative environments are secure and supportive spaces for all members. The engagement of women in parliamentary roles is critical, as they introduce essential perspectives and life experiences that are fundamental to crafting laws and policies that are inclusive and fair. Their representation in these political spheres not only challenges long-standing gender stereotypes but also paves the way for future generations of women leaders, thereby aiding in the elimination of systemic obstacles that limit women's participation in all areas of societal life. Through their determined advocacy, visionary leadership, and impactful legislative efforts, women play an irreplaceable role in advancing human rights globally, establishing the pillars for a more equitable and just world.
The perspectives of women in parliamentary roles and human rights advocacy deserve recognition, respect, and celebration!
Insights from the Field: Interview with Sabina Ćudić, Parliamentarian and FoRB Champion
Could you share the story of how your engagement with human rights advocacy started?
“I studied human rights for my master's degree and I worked with some NGOs in human rights protection. I come from very liberal, very progressive political party, whose agenda is very much based and rooted in human rights. On a personal note, I think coming from a country with such a divided and bloody past, every single citizen in Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced some form of human rights violation. I think every single citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina, due to our problematic constitutional structure as recognized by the European Court of Human Rights, is being discriminated in one shape or form in some part of the country. So, I find irresponsible to avoid those issues. It is practically impossible. And I would say it is the backbone of my political work.
What motivated you to champion the cause of freedom of religion or belief, leading to you to becoming a member of IPPFoRB?
“Freedom of religion or belief in Bosnia Herzegovina is more than one dimensional human right. It is a part of the larger political, cultural, societal, community picture that is both an opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina to find the point of integration and a common ground, but also a point that was a large part of the war we had. Our ethnic and religious diversity was used and abused. Even though I see it as the strength of our country it was used and abused for political purposes that resulted in genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. So being political in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in my mind, necessarily needs to involve recognizing the deep need for freedom of religion or belief - through better understanding to assure that it goes back to being our strength not a weakness.
How does a network of parliamentarians, such as the IPPFoRB, contribute to the advancement and safeguarding of human rights, with a specific focus on the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB)?
‘’There's a particular responsibility of parliamentarians not only in legislative capacity, in terms of drafting, proposing, adopting laws related to human rights and protection of human rights, among them, of course, freedom of religion or belief. But also, in being connectors between the community that they represent and the national governments and the decision making on a national level. Even though obligations for human rights protections take place usually at international level by international treaties and so on, protection needs to take place locally in the communities. It's where both the protection and abuse most of the time take place. And I see our responsibility and my personal responsibility in representing communities, ensuring the legal framework for their protection, but also being their voice in the public in raising awareness issues.”
In January 2024, IPPFoRB launched the Southeast Europe Network. In what ways can the efforts of the IPPFoRB enhance the safeguarding and advocacy of the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) within the region?
“There are political, cultural, and religious ties between our countries. And I think that even though many of the solutions can be fully addressed at a national level, they need international and particularly regional cooperation. I think we need simply to look at these shared issues in these countries with my colleagues. We already have a certain level of political understanding, but we also need to look and shared with a bit of empathy and understanding.”
What advise would you give to fellow parliamentarians aiming to promote human rights, more specifically freedom of religion or belief, within their own countries and regions?
“My advice for the parliamentarians that are interested in this or in other issues, is that when developing position, as they say, “walk a mile in her shoes”. Walk a mile in anybody else's shoes. And to recognize that certain freedoms or ideological understandings that we take for granted may be seen as a threat by others. What might be a place of respect and security for us could be a source of concern for them. And to really make an effort to at least attempt to understand the “other”, the so called “other side”. In this regard, speaking from a human rights perspective, and not necessarily as a religious person, understanding the vulnerabilities of my community is paramount in my political activity. That's one of the reasons why I'm engaged in an issue that I think is at the core of it.
For more information, contact:
Sara Machado, IPPFoRB Communications and Advocacy Adviser
sm@nhc.no / +47 453 80 822