The Human Rights House Banja Luka joins the appeal of part of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian public to prevent the closure of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and calls on the competent authorities to, for a change, put culture first and to take this issue as a priority for resolution.
We would like to point out that the current situation with the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the announcement of its closure may have profound implications for individuals, as well as for the scientific and academic community, and publishing activities in BiH, because the cessation of the allocation of international standard numbers would for monographic and serial publications (ISBN; ISSN; ISMN) significantly hampered the work of the entire publishing sector in BiH.
By closing the library, as an institution for the preservation, professional processing and distribution of knowledge, citizens would be deprived of books and key sources of information, as well as the opportunity to freely receive and disseminate information. This represents a violation of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of citizens guaranteed by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international instruments for the protection of human rights, in particular: the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
We remind you that a democratic society presupposes an informed citizenry. The Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina expressly protects freedom of expression, including the right and freedom to access, receive and disseminate information. This protection is additionally strengthened by the direct applicability of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in BiH, which forms an integral part of our constitutional and legal system. If today we allow one of the key institutions that protect against the tyranny of ignorance to be extinguished, we close the few public spaces that support critical thinking, offering us access to diverse sources, facts and alternatives.
The National and University Library of BiH is not just a building filled with books, but a symbol of our historical, cultural and intellectual heritage and an important factor in maintaining an informed and educated society.
Therefore, we invite all competent institutions, political leaders, as well as citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina to urgently get involved and ensure the preservation of this institution.
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