At the fifty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review program, Franciscans International delivered two oral statements on June 30, 2025.
It was highlighted that the constitutional situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently delicate, as the leadership of the Republika Srpska questions the legitimacy of the High Representative and rejects his decisions, as noted by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association in his report following a recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Franciscans International also welcomed the recommendations supported by Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide protection and assistance to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as the adoption of a human rights-based approach that ensures humane and lawful treatment.
Franciscans International welcomed the Universal Periodic Review process carried out in Italy and noted that it has accepted the vast majority of recommendations.
With regard to migration, Franciscans International urged Italy to respect international law, to ensure that migrants have safe and legal routes, and to respect their dignity. The European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum is in line with the principles of international law, and we urge Italy to comply with both the letter and the spirit of this Agreement.
