A/HRC/25/49/Add.1 D. Academic freedoms and the autonomy of academic and cultural institutions 70. The Special Rapporteur heard many allegations that, all too often, nominations and appointments in cultural and educational institutions, including schools and universities, are motivated by political considerations. Political bodies have, in general, expanded their influence over cultural and educational institutions, which suffer from a lack of administrative independence and financial autonomy. For example, the Special Rapporteur is concerned at reports allegations that researchers in Republika Srpska are reluctant to participate in collaborative events and exchanges with historians from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina for fear of losing their jobs or career opportunities, or of being refused future authorization to travel. In general, it was reported that academic freedoms are not sufficiently respected and promoted throughout the country. Allegations are quite serious; independent researchers unaffiliated to political parties reportedly encounter difficulties in their work, and scientific work is said to remain under the control of nationalist elites. 71. Interaction and cooperation are necessary between professionals and institutions in the field of culture and education, including among the two entities and the District. The Special Rapporteur commends the willingness of some professionals, institutions and civil servants to cooperate with each other, and is encouraged by the imaginative projects developed by civil society organizations and cultural institutions to overcome what they consider to be artificial divisions in the country. As long as cooperation remains informal, with no mechanisms and official policies to institutionalize this, however, people will feel restrained. 72. The Special Rapporteur believes that the systems put in place in both entities to fund art projects and cultural activities should be assessed and revised to ensure the right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity, as well as the autonomy of cultural and art institutions. 73. The degree of transparency in the election of members and directors of Steering committees of cultural public institutions is not considered adequate. Interlocutors stressed that selection is often selected based on political affiliation rather than professional skills. E. Promoting cultural activities and interaction outside of schools 74. Throughout her visit, the Special Rapporteur addressed the issue of the spaces available for people to interact across communities, in particular for children and youth. Although some 110 cultural centres remain in the country, most have been neglected since the war and are in ruins. Some are being re-established. 75. The Special Rapporteur learned of a variety of competitions, exhibitions and festivals held throughout the country on a regular basis providing people with the opportunity to interact with each other. Interlocutors regretted, however the absence of a ministry for culture mandated to conduct cultural policies in a more thoughtful manner. They stressed that funds were scarce and that support, including from the international community, should be based on a long-term strategy rather than on the financing of single events. 76. Today, territories in Bosnia and Herzegovina are commonly identified as community-specific, with substantial consequences in terms of the space made available for interaction. Places such as cultural and art centres, city parks, sports grounds and facilities are needed in locations where, regardless of ethno-national affiliation, people will feel free to interact. In Mostar, for example, people do not travel “deep” into the area over the other 16