I. Introduction: Rights Restricted, Hopes Diminished 
Bosnia and Herzegovina, still grappling with the legacy of war and political fragmentation, continues to face significant challenges in protecting civil liberties and human rights. Freedom of expression, political participation, and equal treatment remain limited in practice, even though they are formally guaranteed by law. This persistent gap between rights on paper and realities on the ground leaves many Bosnians disillusioned. For increasing numbers, migration is the only way to reclaim the freedoms denied at home. 

II. Historical Context of Rights Struggles 
The 1992–1995 war devastated Bosnia’s institutions, leaving scars that still affect its governance today. The Dayton Peace Agreement ended the violence but institutionalised ethnic divisions that continue to limit the exercise of civil liberties. While Bosnia adopted democratic reforms in the post-war years, weak enforcement and political obstruction have prevented meaningful progress. Citizens remain trapped in a system where ethnic identity and political loyalty outweigh universal rights. 

III. Freedom of Expression Under Pressure 
Freedom of expression is frequently undermined in Bosnia. Journalists face harassment, threats, and occasional physical attacks when investigating corruption or sensitive political issues. Media ownership is concentrated in the hands of political and business elites, limiting independence and encouraging self-censorship. Citizens, too, are wary of criticising leaders, fearing social and professional repercussions. 

IV. Restrictions on Political Participation 
Bosnia’s complex governance system severely restricts political participation. The constitution, by tying representation to ethnicity, excludes minorities such as Roma and Jews from running for the presidency or the upper house of parliament. Opposition parties and independent candidates face significant barriers to fair competition, including unequal access to media and political patronage networks. These restrictions alienate citizens and discourage political engagement. 

V. Human Rights Violations Against Minorities 
Ethnic and religious minorities in Bosnia continue to experience human rights violations. Roma communities face systemic discrimination in education, housing, and healthcare. Religious minorities, particularly Muslims in predominantly Serb areas and Croats in Bosniak-majority regions, report harassment and exclusion. These violations reinforce divisions and undermine Bosnia’s credibility as a democracy. 

VI. Everyday Consequences for Citizens 
Restrictions on civil liberties and human rights violations impact daily life: 

- Education: segregated schooling reinforces discrimination and inequality. 
- Employment: nepotism and ethnic bias determine opportunities more than merit. 
- Healthcare: access varies across ethnic and political boundaries, leaving many underserved. 
- Justice: courts are seen as biased and ineffective in protecting rights. 

For many citizens, these conditions create hopelessness and a desire to leave. 

VII. Migration as a Response to Repression 
Faced with limited liberties and systemic violations, Bosnians increasingly see migration as their only solution. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have become popular destinations, offering both security and opportunity. For younger generations, in particular, leaving is a way to reclaim freedoms that Bosnia has failed to protect. This trend reflects both a rejection of repression and a search for dignity abroad. 

VIII. International Assessments 
International organisations consistently criticise Bosnia’s record on civil liberties and human rights. Freedom House ranks the country as only ‘partly free,’ citing weak institutions and ethnic exclusion. The European Court of Human Rights has condemned Bosnia’s constitution for violating minority rights. Reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch document discrimination, harassment of activists, and attacks on journalists. 

IX. Social and Demographic Consequences 
The exodus driven by rights violations has severe consequences. Bosnia faces one of the highest emigration rates in Europe, with entire communities shrinking. Brain drain deprives the country of doctors, teachers, and skilled professionals, undermining its future development. Depopulation weakens rural areas, while remittances become essential for family survival but mask long-term decline. 

X. Pathways to Reform 
To address these challenges, Bosnia must: 

- Reform its constitution to allow equal political participation for all citizens. 
- Protect journalists and independent media from harassment. 
- Enforce anti-discrimination laws in education, housing, and employment. 
- Strengthen judicial independence and accountability. 
- Support initiatives that promote interethnic cooperation and trust. 

These reforms are essential to restoring faith in Bosnia’s institutions and reducing migration pressures. 

XI. Conclusion: Migration as a Demand for Rights 
The persistence of limited civil liberties and human rights violations in Bosnia drives many citizens to seek safety abroad. For them, migration is both a rejection of repression and a demand for freedoms that remain out of reach at home. Unless Bosnia embraces comprehensive reforms and protects the rights of all its citizens, it will continue to face an exodus that undermines its future as a democratic and inclusive society.