WUNRN
Amnesty
International Media Release
August 31, 2010
Amnesty International Urges Bosnia & Herzegovina to Reject the Burqa Ban
(Washington, D.C.) Amnesty International is urging the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina to reject a draft law, prohibiting wearing in public, clothes which prevent identification which is set for debate.
“If adopted, such a law would violate the human
rights of women who choose to wear a full face veil as an expression of their
religious, cultural, political or personal identity or beliefs," said
Marek Marczynski, Amnesty International’s researcher on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"It would violate their right to freedom of expression and religion. At
the same time, a general ban on wearing full-face veils in public could result
in some women being confined to their homes and unable to participate in public
life.”
The draft law envisages imposing penalties such as a fine of 100 KM ($63 U.S.
dollars) or imprisonment between one and seven days. The advocates of the law
have been arguing that its adoption is needed in order to address security
concerns, however they have failed to identify them.
Amnesty International believes that Bosnia and Herzegovina already has a legal
framework which is able to address this issue.
“Any such measures must be the least restrictive to achieve that purpose,"
said Marczynski. " For example, a requirement to show one's face in
demonstrably high-risk locations or to lift a veil when requested by a police
officer for a necessary identity check."
The draft law was proposed by the Serbian Alliance of Independent Social
Democrats. It comes before the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 3.
Amnesty International is also concerned that the law may have a negative impact
on inter-ethnic relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina as it may be perceived by
some Muslim citizens of the country as an attack on their identity.
“The authorities and politicians representing all nations in Bosnia and
Herzegovina must work together to resolve all political issues in ways which
are consistent with human rights standards,” said Marczynski.
It has also been asserted that some women may be wearing a full face veil under
pressure from their families or communities.
States are obliged under international law to protect women against pressure or
coercion in their homes or communities to wear full face veils. However, they
should do this by taking steps to combat gender stereotypes and discriminatory
attitudes and, where appropriate, by intervening in individual cases through
criminal or family law.
“Imposing bans on what people choose to wear is neither going to address the
stated security concerns, nor will it help to combat gender discrimination in
the country,” said Marczynski
Amnesty International has also opposed similar legislation in France, Belgium
and other European countries.