The High Representative encourages women to come forward and to take a leading role in the peace-building process, and pledges the backing of OHR for their efforts. The High Representative recognizes the crucial role of women in all aspects of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina - from keeping families together in the face of adversity, and building inter-ethnic, community-based links throughout the country, to increasingly taking their rightful place in the political arena to shape a better future for all citizens of BiH.
The High Representative reaffirms the commitment of OHR to gender equality and a society built on the principles of non-discrimination. He stresses the role that OHR, along with other agencies, has to play in the promotion of non-discrimination in employment, on any grounds including that of gender; in the creation of a legislative environment in which women's NGOs and other organizations can operate free from legal impediment; in the eradication of trafficking of women; and in generally ensuring that the needs and concerns of women are recognized and addressed in those spheres in which OHR is active.