26th June 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
The rule of law. It’s a phrase I hear almost every day. I probably use it as often. It is the basis of complaints from citizens, accusations between politicians, and criticisms from civil society. It is at the heart of the European Commission’s recent ‘Opinion’ on BiH. I am not sure we know what we […]
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16th May 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
As British Ambassador in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), I am proud to stand up for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights, which are fundamental human rights, and the fight against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. 17 May is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, better known as IDAHOBIT, […]
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29th March 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Last week I visited Una-Sana Canton, to see first-hand some of the UK’s support work for local communities there. By chance, this coincided with the festival of Nowruz, so during my visit to one of the temporary accommodation facilities for migrant families, I was able to join their colourful, musical Persian New Year celebrations. In […]
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26th February 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
27 February is ‘World NGO Day’, a chance for all of us to reflect on the vital contributions made by Non-Governmental Organisations, also known as Civil Society Organisations. What do we mean by that? Anything that brings people together in the space outside of governments and business (hence the term ‘third sector’), from sports clubs […]
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6th February 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Sport has always played a big part in my personal life, as a young rugby player, a student field hockey player, and more than all as an armchair enthusiast. I am lucky that sport has also factored in my professional career, by managing to be in Japan for the 2002 World Cup, London for the […]
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17th January 2019
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Happy New Year, everyone. This is an exciting time of fresh beginnings, renewed energy and commitment to the challenges in front of us. I cannot say it was a full break from work, because sometimes a claim is so ridiculous that you have to respond – protests in Banja Luka were organised by the UK […]
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24th December 2018
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
This weekend the UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) lost a dear friend, with the passing of Lord Ashdown. ‘Paddy’ was a nickname from childhood, but one he continued to use throughout his life, and by which he will be remembered across BiH. Much has already been written about his powerful contribution to British politics, […]
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10th December 2018
Anes Osmic and Ivana Bilic, young activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, use theatre as a means of dialogue and believe that only through working together and communicating openly can one solve issues at the local level and build a common future. They cooperated on a play “Yellow Boots” performed at Sarajevo SARTR on 8 December […]
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7th December 2018
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
9 December is International Day for the Fight Against Corruption. No one in Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to be told about the damage done by this poison. Since I took over as British Ambassador here three months ago, it is probably the single subject I have heard most about in my conversations with people. Corruption […]
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13th November 2018
This post was published when the author was in a previous role
Two weeks ago I appeared on N1. Zvonko Komsic asked me some tough and insightful questions, particularly on the political situation and what BiH politicians should do on the EU path. To several of the questions I gave the same answer – ‘They need to form governments quickly, and get on with reforms’. This repetition […]
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