Brankica Janković, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality was on a regional visit to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Croatia in charge of the protection against discrimination and improvement of equality which was organized by the OSCE Misssion to the Republic of Serbia. Following the visits to Banja Luka and Zagreb, it was agreed to intensify cooperation but also an agreement was reached to hold regular annual thematic forums.

During the meeting, Commissioner Janković and Bosnia and Herzegovina Ombudsman Ljubinka Mitrović discussed the need to intensify cooperation through the exchange of experience, organization of joint meetings aimed at promoting tolerance, as well as on the procedure to amend the Law on the Prevention of Discrimination of Bosnia and Herzegovina which is currently under way.

During the rest of her work visit, Commissioner Janković met in Zagreb with Ombudswoman for Persons with Disabilities of the Republic of Croatia Anka Slonjšak and the Croatian Ombudsperson for Gender Equality Višnjua Ljubičić. The main topics discussed on those occasions included the improvement of position of persons with disabilities and enhancing their social status, as well as the position of women both in Croatia and Serbia. Commissioner Janković also met with Deputy Ombudswoman Tena Šimonović Einwalter and they discussed the prevalence of discrimination in the region, as well as the challenges and protection of minorities, vulnerable and marginalized groups.