| BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosna i Hercegovina Joined United Nations: 22 May 1992 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 12/16/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Sarajevo
4,621,598 (July 2010 est.)
Nikola Spiric
Chairman of the Council of Ministers since
11 January 2007
Chairman of the Council of Ministers since
11 January 2007
The three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one
Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a
second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship
rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off following
each national election; election last held 1 October 2010
Next scheduled election: October 2014
Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term (eligible for a
second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship
rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off following
each national election; election last held 1 October 2010
Next scheduled election: October 2014
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
The Chairman of the Council of Ministers is appointed by the
presidency and confirmed by the National House of
Representatives;
Next scheduled election: 2014
presidency and confirmed by the National House of
Representatives;
Next scheduled election: 2014
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6% (2000)
note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam
note: Bosniak has replaced Muslim as an ethnic term in part to avoid confusion with the religious term Muslim - an adherent of Islam
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 14%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Emerging federal democratic republic with 2 first-order administrative divisions and 1 internationally supervised district; Legal system is
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off
following each national election; election last held 1 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the Council of
Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the National House of Representatives
Legislative: Bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the national House of Representatives or Predstavnicki
Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika Srpska; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation, to serve four-year terms); and the House of Peoples or Dom
Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives and
the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law specifies four-year terms for the
state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures
elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007 (next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of
Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)
Judicial: BH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House
of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president
of the European Court of Human Rights); BH State Court (consists of nine judges and three divisions - Administrative, Appellate
and Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities); a
War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005
based on civil law system; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, one Croat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term
(eligible for a second term, but then ineligible for four years); the chairmanship rotates every eight months and resumes where it left off
following each national election; election last held 1 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014); the chairman of the Council of
Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by the National House of Representatives
Legislative: Bicameral Parliamentary Assembly or Skupstina consists of the national House of Representatives or Predstavnicki
Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika Srpska; members
elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation, to serve four-year terms); and the House of Peoples or Dom
Naroda (15 seats, 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House of Representatives and
the Republika Srpska's National Assembly to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia's election law specifies four-year terms for the
state and first-order administrative division entity legislatures
elections: House of Peoples - last constituted in February 2007 (next to be constituted in 2011); state-level House of
Representatives - elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held in October 2014)
Judicial: BH Constitutional Court (consists of nine members: four members are selected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation's House
of Representatives, two members by the Republika Srpska's National Assembly, and three non-Bosnian members by the president
of the European Court of Human Rights); BH State Court (consists of nine judges and three divisions - Administrative, Appellate
and Criminal - having jurisdiction over cases related to state-level law and appellate jurisdiction over cases initiated in the entities); a
War Crimes Chamber opened in March 2005
| LANGUAGES |
Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Bosnia has been inhabited at least since Neolithic times. In the late Bronze Age, the Neolithic population was replaced by more
warlike Indo-European tribes known as the Illyres or Illyrians. Celtic migrations in the 4th and 3rd century BCE displaced many
Illyrian tribes from their former lands, but some Celtic and Illyrian tribes mixed. Conflict between the Illyrians and Romans started in
229 BCE, but Rome wouldn't complete its annexation of the region until 9 CE. In the Roman period, Latin-speaking settlers from all
over the Roman empire settled among the Illyrians and Roman soldiers were encouraged to retire in the region. Christianity had
already arrived in the region by the end of the 1st century, and numerous artifacts and objects from the time testify to this. Following
events from the years 337 and 395 when the Empire split, Dalmatia and Pannonia were included in the Western Roman Empire.
The region was conquered by the Ostrogoths in 455, and further exchanged hands between the Alans and Huns in the years to
follow. By the 6th century, Emperor Justinian had re-conquered the area for the Byzantine Empire. The Slavs, a migratory people
from northeastern Europe, were subjugated by the Eurasian Avars in the 6th century, and together they invaded the Eastern Roman
Empire in the 6th and 7th centuries, settling in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding lands. Upon their arrival,
the Slavs brought with them a tribal social structure, which probably fell apart and gave way to feudalism only with Frankish
penetration into the region in the late 9th century (Bosnia probably originated as one such pre-feudal Slavic entity). The region of
Bosnia had been part of the kingdoms of Serbia and Croatia, whose borders were often fluctuant. However, by the high middle
ages the Bosnian nobles began to become increasingly independent, ruling over an area of which gradually increased in size. The
first notable Bosnian ruler, Ban Kulin, presided over nearly three decades of peace and stability during which he strengthened the
country's economy through treaties with Dubrovnik and Venice. His rule also marked the start of a controversy with the Bosnian
Church, an indigenous Christian sect considered heretical by both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The
Ottoman Empire had already started its conquest of Europe and posed a major threat to the Balkans throughout the first half of the
15th century. Finally, after decades of political and social instability, Bosnia officially fell in 1463. Herzegovina would follow in
1482, with a Hungarian-backed reinstated "Bosnian Kingdom" being the last to succumb in 1527. A native Slavic-speaking Muslim
community emerged and eventually became the largest of the ethno-religious groups (mainly as a result of a gradually rising number
of conversions to Islam), while a significant number of Sephardi Jews arrived following their expulsion from Spain in the late 15th
century. As the Ottoman Empire thrived and expanded into Central Europe, Bosnia was relieved of the pressures of being a frontier
province and experienced a prolonged period of general welfare and prosperity. However, by the late 17th century the Empire's
military misfortunes caught up with the country, and the conclusion of the Great Turkish War with the treaty of Karlowitz in 1699
once again made Bosnia the Empire's westernmost province. The following hundred years were marked by further military failures,
numerous revolts within Bosnia, and several outbursts of plague. Related rebellions would be extinguished by 1850, but the situation
continued to deteriorate. Later agrarian unrest eventually sparked the Herzegovinian rebellion, a widespread peasant uprising, in
1875. The conflict rapidly spread and came to involve several Balkan states and Great Powers, which eventually forced the
Ottomans to cede administration of the country to Austria-Hungary through the treaty of Berlin in 1878. The Austro-Hungarian
government's decision to formally annex Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 (i.e. Bosnian Crisis) added to a sense of urgency among these
nationalists. The political tensions caused by all this culminated on June 28, 1914, when Serb nationalist youth Gavrilo Princip
assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo; an event that proved to be the spark
that set off World War I. Following World War I, Bosnia was incorporated into the South Slav kingdom of Serbs, Croats and
Slovenes (soon renamed Yugoslavia). The establishment of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929, however, brought the redrawing of
administrative regions into banates that purposely avoided all historical and ethnic lines, removing any trace of a Bosnian entity. The
famous Cvetković-Maček agreement that created the Croatian banate in 1939 encouraged what was essentially a partition of
Bosnia between Croatia and Serbia. However, outside political circumstances forced Yugoslav politicians to shift their attention to
the rising threat posed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany. Following a period that saw attempts at appeasement, the signing of the
Tripartite Treaty, and a coup d'état, Yugoslavia was finally invaded by Germany on April 6, 1941. Once the kingdom of Yugoslavia
was conquered by Nazi forces in World War II, all of Bosnia was ceded to the Nazi-puppet state of Croatia. The Nazi rule over
Bosnia led to widespread persecution. The Jewish population was nearly exterminated. Military success eventually prompted the
Allies to support the Partisans, and the end of the war resulted in the establishment of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,
with the constitution of 1946 officially making Bosnia and Herzegovina one of six constituent republics in the new state. Though
considered a political backwater of the federation for much of the 50s and 60s, the 70s saw the ascension of a strong Bosnian
political elite. While working within the communist system, politicians such as Džemal Bijedić, Branko Mikulić and Hamdija
Pozderac reinforced and protected the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their efforts proved key during the turbulent period
following Tito's death in 1980, and are today considered some of the early steps towards Bosnian independence. The 1990
parliamentary elections led to a national assembly dominated by three ethnically-based parties, which had formed a loose coalition
to oust the communists from power. A declaration of sovereignty in October of 1991 was followed by a referendum for
independence from Yugoslavia in February and March 1992 boycotted by the great majority of Bosnian Serbs. Following a tense
period of escalating tensions and sporadic military incidents, open warfare began in Sarajevo on April 6. By 1993, when an armed
conflict erupted between the Sarajevo government and the Croat statelet of Herzeg-Bosnia, about 70% of the country was
controlled by the Serbs. In March 1994, the signing of the Washington accords between the leaders of the republican government
and Herzeg-Bosnia led to the creation of a joint Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This, along with
international outrage at Serb war crimes and atrocities (most notably the genocidal killing of 8,000 Bosniak males in Srebrenica in
July, 1995), eventually turned the tide of war. The signing of the Dayton Agreement in Paris by the presidents of Bosnia and
Herzegovina (Alija Izetbegović), Croatia (Franjo Tuđman), and Yugoslavia (Slobodan Milošević) brought a halt to the fighting,
roughly establishing the basic structure of the present-day state. The three years of war and bloodshed had left between 100,000
and 250 000 people killed and more than 2 million displaced.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Bosnia and Herzegovina
warlike Indo-European tribes known as the Illyres or Illyrians. Celtic migrations in the 4th and 3rd century BCE displaced many
Illyrian tribes from their former lands, but some Celtic and Illyrian tribes mixed. Conflict between the Illyrians and Romans started in
229 BCE, but Rome wouldn't complete its annexation of the region until 9 CE. In the Roman period, Latin-speaking settlers from all
over the Roman empire settled among the Illyrians and Roman soldiers were encouraged to retire in the region. Christianity had
already arrived in the region by the end of the 1st century, and numerous artifacts and objects from the time testify to this. Following
events from the years 337 and 395 when the Empire split, Dalmatia and Pannonia were included in the Western Roman Empire.
The region was conquered by the Ostrogoths in 455, and further exchanged hands between the Alans and Huns in the years to
follow. By the 6th century, Emperor Justinian had re-conquered the area for the Byzantine Empire. The Slavs, a migratory people
from northeastern Europe, were subjugated by the Eurasian Avars in the 6th century, and together they invaded the Eastern Roman
Empire in the 6th and 7th centuries, settling in what is now Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding lands. Upon their arrival,
the Slavs brought with them a tribal social structure, which probably fell apart and gave way to feudalism only with Frankish
penetration into the region in the late 9th century (Bosnia probably originated as one such pre-feudal Slavic entity). The region of
Bosnia had been part of the kingdoms of Serbia and Croatia, whose borders were often fluctuant. However, by the high middle
ages the Bosnian nobles began to become increasingly independent, ruling over an area of which gradually increased in size. The
first notable Bosnian ruler, Ban Kulin, presided over nearly three decades of peace and stability during which he strengthened the
country's economy through treaties with Dubrovnik and Venice. His rule also marked the start of a controversy with the Bosnian
Church, an indigenous Christian sect considered heretical by both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. The
Ottoman Empire had already started its conquest of Europe and posed a major threat to the Balkans throughout the first half of the
15th century. Finally, after decades of political and social instability, Bosnia officially fell in 1463. Herzegovina would follow in
1482, with a Hungarian-backed reinstated "Bosnian Kingdom" being the last to succumb in 1527. A native Slavic-speaking Muslim
community emerged and eventually became the largest of the ethno-religious groups (mainly as a result of a gradually rising number
of conversions to Islam), while a significant number of Sephardi Jews arrived following their expulsion from Spain in the late 15th
century. As the Ottoman Empire thrived and expanded into Central Europe, Bosnia was relieved of the pressures of being a frontier
province and experienced a prolonged period of general welfare and prosperity. However, by the late 17th century the Empire's
military misfortunes caught up with the country, and the conclusion of the Great Turkish War with the treaty of Karlowitz in 1699
once again made Bosnia the Empire's westernmost province. The following hundred years were marked by further military failures,
numerous revolts within Bosnia, and several outbursts of plague. Related rebellions would be extinguished by 1850, but the situation
continued to deteriorate. Later agrarian unrest eventually sparked the Herzegovinian rebellion, a widespread peasant uprising, in
1875. The conflict rapidly spread and came to involve several Balkan states and Great Powers, which eventually forced the
Ottomans to cede administration of the country to Austria-Hungary through the treaty of Berlin in 1878. The Austro-Hungarian
government's decision to formally annex Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 (i.e. Bosnian Crisis) added to a sense of urgency among these
nationalists. The political tensions caused by all this culminated on June 28, 1914, when Serb nationalist youth Gavrilo Princip
assassinated the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in Sarajevo; an event that proved to be the spark
that set off World War I. Following World War I, Bosnia was incorporated into the South Slav kingdom of Serbs, Croats and
Slovenes (soon renamed Yugoslavia). The establishment of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929, however, brought the redrawing of
administrative regions into banates that purposely avoided all historical and ethnic lines, removing any trace of a Bosnian entity. The
famous Cvetković-Maček agreement that created the Croatian banate in 1939 encouraged what was essentially a partition of
Bosnia between Croatia and Serbia. However, outside political circumstances forced Yugoslav politicians to shift their attention to
the rising threat posed by Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany. Following a period that saw attempts at appeasement, the signing of the
Tripartite Treaty, and a coup d'état, Yugoslavia was finally invaded by Germany on April 6, 1941. Once the kingdom of Yugoslavia
was conquered by Nazi forces in World War II, all of Bosnia was ceded to the Nazi-puppet state of Croatia. The Nazi rule over
Bosnia led to widespread persecution. The Jewish population was nearly exterminated. Military success eventually prompted the
Allies to support the Partisans, and the end of the war resulted in the establishment of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,
with the constitution of 1946 officially making Bosnia and Herzegovina one of six constituent republics in the new state. Though
considered a political backwater of the federation for much of the 50s and 60s, the 70s saw the ascension of a strong Bosnian
political elite. While working within the communist system, politicians such as Džemal Bijedić, Branko Mikulić and Hamdija
Pozderac reinforced and protected the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their efforts proved key during the turbulent period
following Tito's death in 1980, and are today considered some of the early steps towards Bosnian independence. The 1990
parliamentary elections led to a national assembly dominated by three ethnically-based parties, which had formed a loose coalition
to oust the communists from power. A declaration of sovereignty in October of 1991 was followed by a referendum for
independence from Yugoslavia in February and March 1992 boycotted by the great majority of Bosnian Serbs. Following a tense
period of escalating tensions and sporadic military incidents, open warfare began in Sarajevo on April 6. By 1993, when an armed
conflict erupted between the Sarajevo government and the Croat statelet of Herzeg-Bosnia, about 70% of the country was
controlled by the Serbs. In March 1994, the signing of the Washington accords between the leaders of the republican government
and Herzeg-Bosnia led to the creation of a joint Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This, along with
international outrage at Serb war crimes and atrocities (most notably the genocidal killing of 8,000 Bosniak males in Srebrenica in
July, 1995), eventually turned the tide of war. The signing of the Dayton Agreement in Paris by the presidents of Bosnia and
Herzegovina (Alija Izetbegović), Croatia (Franjo Tuđman), and Yugoslavia (Slobodan Milošević) brought a halt to the fighting,
roughly establishing the basic structure of the present-day state. The three years of war and bloodshed had left between 100,000
and 250 000 people killed and more than 2 million displaced.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Bosnia and Herzegovina
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The interethnic warfare in Bosnia and Herzegovina caused production to plummet by 80% from 1992 to 1995 and unemployment
to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth
slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, due in
large part to the global economic crisis, GDP fell by about 3% in 2009, exports fell 24%, and unemployment - as officially reported
- rose above 40%. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down; foreign
banks, primarily from Austria and Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or
BAM)- the national currency introduced in 1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the banking sector has
increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at nearly 50% of
adjusted GDP, remains high because of redundant government offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of state
enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the Federation where political division between ethnically-based political parties
makes agreement on economic policy more difficult. A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain the two
most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable source of
revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but a large
share of economic activity remains unofficial and unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the Central
European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007. In 2009, Bosnia's economy was hurt by the global financial downturn, with
GDP, exports, and employment all showing declines. One of Bosnia's main challenges has been to cut public sector wages and
social benefits to meet the IMF's budget deficit criteria and qualify for additional tranches of Fund aid.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bosnia and Herzegovina)
to soar. With an uneasy peace in place, output recovered in 1996-99 at high percentage rates from a low base; but output growth
slowed in 2000-02. Part of the lag in output was made up in 2003-08 when GDP growth exceeded 5% per year. However, due in
large part to the global economic crisis, GDP fell by about 3% in 2009, exports fell 24%, and unemployment - as officially reported
- rose above 40%. Banking reform accelerated in 2001 as all the Communist-era payments bureaus were shut down; foreign
banks, primarily from Austria and Italy, now control most of the banking sector. The konvertibilna marka (convertible mark or
BAM)- the national currency introduced in 1998 - is pegged to the euro, and confidence in the currency and the banking sector has
increased. Bosnia's private sector is growing and foreign investment is slowly increasing, but government spending, at nearly 50% of
adjusted GDP, remains high because of redundant government offices at the state, entity and municipal level. Privatization of state
enterprises, however, has been slow, particularly in the Federation where political division between ethnically-based political parties
makes agreement on economic policy more difficult. A sizeable current account deficit and high unemployment rate remain the two
most serious macroeconomic problems. Successful implementation of a value-added tax in 2006 provided a predictable source of
revenue for the government and helped rein in gray market activity. National-level statistics have also improved over time but a large
share of economic activity remains unofficial and unrecorded. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a full member of the Central
European Free Trade Agreement in September 2007. In 2009, Bosnia's economy was hurt by the global financial downturn, with
GDP, exports, and employment all showing declines. One of Bosnia's main challenges has been to cut public sector wages and
social benefits to meet the IMF's budget deficit criteria and qualify for additional tranches of Fund aid.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The highest political authority in the country is the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the chief executive officer for the
international civilian presence in the country. Since 1995, the High Representative was able to bypass the elected parliamentary
assembly or to remove elected officials. The methods selected by the High Representative are often seen as dictatorship. Even the
symbols of Bosnian statehood (flag, coat of arms) have been chosen by the Highest Representative rather than by Bosnian people.
The source of the authority of the High Representative is essentially contractual. His mandate derives from the Dayton Agreement,
as confirmed by the Peace Implementation Council, an ad hoc body with a Steering Board composed of representatives of Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, the US, the presidency of the European Union, the European Commission, and the
Organization of the Islamic Conference.
The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina rotates among three members (Bosniak, Serb, Croat), each elected as the
Chair for an 8-month term within their 4-year term as a member. The three members of the Presidency are elected directly by the
people (Federation votes for the Bosniak/Croat, Republika Srpska for the Serb). The Presidency is the head of state institution and
it is mainly responsible for the foreign policy and proposing the budget.
The Parliamentary Assembly or Parlamentarna skupština is the main legislative body in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It consists of two
chambers:
* the House of Peoples or Dom naroda
* the National House of Representatives or Predstavnički dom/Zastupnički dom
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Bosnia and Herzegovina
international civilian presence in the country. Since 1995, the High Representative was able to bypass the elected parliamentary
assembly or to remove elected officials. The methods selected by the High Representative are often seen as dictatorship. Even the
symbols of Bosnian statehood (flag, coat of arms) have been chosen by the Highest Representative rather than by Bosnian people.
The source of the authority of the High Representative is essentially contractual. His mandate derives from the Dayton Agreement,
as confirmed by the Peace Implementation Council, an ad hoc body with a Steering Board composed of representatives of Canada,
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK, the US, the presidency of the European Union, the European Commission, and the
Organization of the Islamic Conference.
The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina rotates among three members (Bosniak, Serb, Croat), each elected as the
Chair for an 8-month term within their 4-year term as a member. The three members of the Presidency are elected directly by the
people (Federation votes for the Bosniak/Croat, Republika Srpska for the Serb). The Presidency is the head of state institution and
it is mainly responsible for the foreign policy and proposing the budget.
The Parliamentary Assembly or Parlamentarna skupština is the main legislative body in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It consists of two
chambers:
* the House of Peoples or Dom naroda
* the National House of Representatives or Predstavnički dom/Zastupnički dom
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Bosnia and Herzegovina
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Sections along the Drina River remain in dispute between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; discussions continue with Croatia on
several small disputed sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification of the 1999 border agreement
several small disputed sections of the boundary related to maritime access that hinder final ratification of the 1999 border agreement
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 7,269 (Croatia)
IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Muslims displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)
IDPs: 131,600 (Bosnian Croats, Serbs, and Muslims displaced in 1992-95 war) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Increasingly a transit point for heroin being trafficked to Western Europe; minor transit point for marijuana; remains highly
vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement, and
instances of corruption
vulnerable to money-laundering activity given a primarily cash-based and unregulated economy, weak law enforcement, and
instances of corruption
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) consists of two entities within the state, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Federation) and the
Republika Srpska, and Brcko District, with a total population of approximately four million. The Federation has a Bosniak (Bosnian
Muslim) and Croat majority, while the Republika Srpska has a Serb majority. The 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace (the
Dayton Accords), provides for a democratic republic with a bicameral parliamentary assembly but assigns many governmental functions
to the two entities. The Dayton Accords also provide for a high representative with the authority to impose legislation and remove
officials. The tripartite presidency consists of Bosnian Croat Zeljko Komsic, Bosnian Serb Nebojsa Radmanovic, and Bosniak Haris
Silajdzic. In 2006, the country held general elections that international observers deemed free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
The following human rights problems were reported:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) consists of two entities within the state, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Federation) and the
Republika Srpska, and Brcko District, with a total population of approximately four million. The Federation has a Bosniak (Bosnian
Muslim) and Croat majority, while the Republika Srpska has a Serb majority. The 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace (the
Dayton Accords), provides for a democratic republic with a bicameral parliamentary assembly but assigns many governmental functions
to the two entities. The Dayton Accords also provide for a high representative with the authority to impose legislation and remove
officials. The tripartite presidency consists of Bosnian Croat Zeljko Komsic, Bosnian Serb Nebojsa Radmanovic, and Bosniak Haris
Silajdzic. In 2006, the country held general elections that international observers deemed free and fair. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces.
The following human rights problems were reported:
- reports of continued deaths from landmines,
- police abuses,
- poor and overcrowded prison conditions,
- inter-prisoner violence in prisons,
- police failure to inform detainees of the rights or allow effective access to legal counsel prior to questioning,
- harassment and intimidation of journalists and members of civil society,
- obstruction of refugee returns,
- government corruption,
- discrimination and violence against women and ethnic, sexual, and religious minorities,
- discrimination against persons with disabilities,
- trafficking in persons,
- limits on employment rights.
- At year's end Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb war crimes indictee most wanted by the International Criminal Tribunal for the
former Yugoslavia (ICTY), remained at large.
Committee against Torture Forty-fifth session
1-19 November 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second to fifth combined periodic reports of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Committee
also welcomes that the report was submitted in accordance with the new optional reporting procedure of the Committee consisting of
replies by the State party to a list of issues prepared and transmitted by the Committee. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
State party for its acceptance to report under this new procedure which facilitates the cooperation between the Stare party and the
Committee.
B. Positive aspects
5. The Committee welcomes that since the consideration of the initial periodic report, the State party has ratified the following
international and regional instruments:
a) The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture on 24 October 2008;
b) The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol on 12 March 2010; and
c) The Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings of the Council of Europe on 11 January 2008.
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition and offence of torture
8. While noting that the State party envisages amending the Criminal Code and harmonising the legal definition of torture in the State and
Entity laws, the Committee remains concerned that the State party has still not incorporated into domestic law the crime of torture as
defined in article 1 of the Convention and that the instigation and superior orders or consent, acquiescence of acts of torture are not
criminalised in the State party laws (arts. 1 and 4).
The Committee, in line with its previous recommendations (CAT/C/BIH/CO/1, para. 9), urges the State party to speed up the process of
the incorporation of the crime of torture, as defined in the Convention, into the State party laws as well as the harmonisation of the legal
definition of torture in the Republika Srpska and Brcko District with the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The State party
should also ensure that these offences are punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account their grave nature, as set out in
article 4, paragraph 2 of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
1-19 November 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 19 of the Convention
Concluding observations of the Committee against Torture
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the second to fifth combined periodic reports of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Committee
also welcomes that the report was submitted in accordance with the new optional reporting procedure of the Committee consisting of
replies by the State party to a list of issues prepared and transmitted by the Committee. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the
State party for its acceptance to report under this new procedure which facilitates the cooperation between the Stare party and the
Committee.
B. Positive aspects
5. The Committee welcomes that since the consideration of the initial periodic report, the State party has ratified the following
international and regional instruments:
a) The Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture on 24 October 2008;
b) The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol on 12 March 2010; and
c) The Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings of the Council of Europe on 11 January 2008.
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
Definition and offence of torture
8. While noting that the State party envisages amending the Criminal Code and harmonising the legal definition of torture in the State and
Entity laws, the Committee remains concerned that the State party has still not incorporated into domestic law the crime of torture as
defined in article 1 of the Convention and that the instigation and superior orders or consent, acquiescence of acts of torture are not
criminalised in the State party laws (arts. 1 and 4).
The Committee, in line with its previous recommendations (CAT/C/BIH/CO/1, para. 9), urges the State party to speed up the process of
the incorporation of the crime of torture, as defined in the Convention, into the State party laws as well as the harmonisation of the legal
definition of torture in the Republika Srpska and Brcko District with the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The State party
should also ensure that these offences are punishable by appropriate penalties which take into account their grave nature, as set out in
article 4, paragraph 2 of the Convention.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Nationalist rhetoric began to rise in 2009 as Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for the 2010 parliamentary and presidential elections.
Political tensions were also fueled by obstructionism on the part of the Republika Srpska government and ongoing disagreement among
leaders of the three main ethnic groups over the country’s territorial and administrative structure. Attempts to institute meaningful
constitutional reform yielded little success, apart from a confirmation of the final status of the Brcko district in March.
Although Republika Srpska leaders raised the threat of secession after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in early 2008, the BiH
government made some progress on the centralization of police functions later in the year. In June, the European Union (EU) and BiH
signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, a key step toward EU membership.
Nationalist rhetoric among politicians and the ethnically divided media began to increase in 2009 as the country prepared for presidential
and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2010. Dodik and the Bosnian Serb authorities continued to stress Republika Srpska’s
autonomy and assert its right to seek independence from BiH. The entity’s parliament in June passed a resolution that would have
prevented any future transfer of power to the central government, but the measure was annulled by the OHR. Meanwhile, internal
divisions plagued the government of the Federation. In May, Federation prime minister Nedzad Brankovic of the mainly Bosniak Party of
Democratic Action (SDA) submitted his resignation after Sulejman Tihic was reelected as the SDA leader. Tihic had accused Brankovic
of presiding over an ineffective government.
In March 2009, Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko was appointed as the new High Representative, replacing Miroslav Lajcak, who had
resigned in January to become the foreign minister of Slovakia. Tensions between the OHR and the Bosnian Serb leadership continued,
with the latter challenging several of Inzko’s decisions and denying the OHR’s authority to impose laws or fire officials. In December,
Inzko accused Bosnian Serb leaders of violating the Dayton Peace Accords by undermining his authority.
While the country’s rival factions were unable to agree during the year on reforms that would put the country’s constitution in line with
European requirements, the BiH parliament in March passed an amendment on the less controversial issue of Brcko’s status, confirming
the 1999 arbitration ruling. This marked the first time the constitution had been amended since Dayton Accords.
The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is an electoral democracy. In general, voters can freely elect their representatives,
although the OHR has the authority to remove elected officials if they are deemed to be obstructing the peace process. The government
is led by a prime minister, and the role of head of state is performed by a three-member presidency composed of one Bosniak, one Serb,
and one Croat. The Parliamentary Assembly is a bicameral body. The 15-seat upper house, the House of Peoples, consists of five
members from each of the three main ethnic groups, elected by the Federation and Republika Srpska legislatures for four-year terms.
The lower house, the House of Representatives, has 42 popularly elected members serving four-year terms, with 28 seats assigned to the
Federation and 14 to Republika Srpska. The most important parties include the SNSD, the SDA, the SzBiH, the Serb Democratic Party
(SDS), and the HDZ.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Nationalist rhetoric began to rise in 2009 as Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for the 2010 parliamentary and presidential elections.
Political tensions were also fueled by obstructionism on the part of the Republika Srpska government and ongoing disagreement among
leaders of the three main ethnic groups over the country’s territorial and administrative structure. Attempts to institute meaningful
constitutional reform yielded little success, apart from a confirmation of the final status of the Brcko district in March.
Although Republika Srpska leaders raised the threat of secession after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in early 2008, the BiH
government made some progress on the centralization of police functions later in the year. In June, the European Union (EU) and BiH
signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, a key step toward EU membership.
Nationalist rhetoric among politicians and the ethnically divided media began to increase in 2009 as the country prepared for presidential
and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2010. Dodik and the Bosnian Serb authorities continued to stress Republika Srpska’s
autonomy and assert its right to seek independence from BiH. The entity’s parliament in June passed a resolution that would have
prevented any future transfer of power to the central government, but the measure was annulled by the OHR. Meanwhile, internal
divisions plagued the government of the Federation. In May, Federation prime minister Nedzad Brankovic of the mainly Bosniak Party of
Democratic Action (SDA) submitted his resignation after Sulejman Tihic was reelected as the SDA leader. Tihic had accused Brankovic
of presiding over an ineffective government.
In March 2009, Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko was appointed as the new High Representative, replacing Miroslav Lajcak, who had
resigned in January to become the foreign minister of Slovakia. Tensions between the OHR and the Bosnian Serb leadership continued,
with the latter challenging several of Inzko’s decisions and denying the OHR’s authority to impose laws or fire officials. In December,
Inzko accused Bosnian Serb leaders of violating the Dayton Peace Accords by undermining his authority.
While the country’s rival factions were unable to agree during the year on reforms that would put the country’s constitution in line with
European requirements, the BiH parliament in March passed an amendment on the less controversial issue of Brcko’s status, confirming
the 1999 arbitration ruling. This marked the first time the constitution had been amended since Dayton Accords.
The Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is an electoral democracy. In general, voters can freely elect their representatives,
although the OHR has the authority to remove elected officials if they are deemed to be obstructing the peace process. The government
is led by a prime minister, and the role of head of state is performed by a three-member presidency composed of one Bosniak, one Serb,
and one Croat. The Parliamentary Assembly is a bicameral body. The 15-seat upper house, the House of Peoples, consists of five
members from each of the three main ethnic groups, elected by the Federation and Republika Srpska legislatures for four-year terms.
The lower house, the House of Representatives, has 42 popularly elected members serving four-year terms, with 28 seats assigned to the
Federation and 14 to Republika Srpska. The most important parties include the SNSD, the SDA, the SzBiH, the Serb Democratic Party
(SDS), and the HDZ.
Click here to read more »
25 November 2010
Authorities must ensure access to reparation for survivors of war rapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina thousands of women and girls were raped, often with extreme brutality. The
testimonies women gave just after the war resulted in widespread media attention, public outrage and changes in international law.
However since then very little has been done for the survivors.
In 2009, Amnesty International went to Bosnia and Herzegovina to speak to survivors of war crimes of sexual violence about their
needs, problems and experiences with the justice system. The conclusions were clear: the authorities have failed to ensure access to
justice and reparation to the survivors.
Survivors continue to suffer trauma and other psychological and physical problems as a result of rape and other forms of torture they
experienced during the war. Many survivors cannot afford medicines even when these are prescribed by a doctor. Many are unemployed
and live in poverty. Social and economic support services for the survivors are generally not available.
In addition, those responsible for their suffering, members of military forces, police and paramilitary groups, enjoy impunity. Some
remain in positions of power and live in the same community as their victims.
Survivors of sexual violence want the authorities to acknowledge their rights as victims of war crimes. Instead, the women still find
themselves marginalized and neglected. Women survivors of war crimes of sexual violence are discriminated against with regard to
social benefits and other support available to them in comparison to war veterans, who enjoy access to health care, generous pensions
and other social benefits.
Unlike the ex-combatants who formed powerful and vocal associations, women who experienced war rape are less likely to publicly
demand their rights. They are afraid of the social stigma attached to rape and they rarely even tell their families what happened to them
during the war.
This year the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities finally took a stand against the marginalization of survivors of war rape. As a result of
huge international pressure, including by Amnesty International, a number of policy and legal changes were initiated by the government
with the aim of bringing justice and reparation to survivors of war crimes of sexual violence.
In July the Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Justice announced that the government will amend relevant laws and set up a
state strategy on improving the situation for survivors of war crimes of sexual violence. It is crucial that the new government formed
after elections in October effectively continues the positive work initiated by their predecessors in response to survivors needs.
Click here to read more »
Authorities must ensure access to reparation for survivors of war rapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina thousands of women and girls were raped, often with extreme brutality. The
testimonies women gave just after the war resulted in widespread media attention, public outrage and changes in international law.
However since then very little has been done for the survivors.
In 2009, Amnesty International went to Bosnia and Herzegovina to speak to survivors of war crimes of sexual violence about their
needs, problems and experiences with the justice system. The conclusions were clear: the authorities have failed to ensure access to
justice and reparation to the survivors.
Survivors continue to suffer trauma and other psychological and physical problems as a result of rape and other forms of torture they
experienced during the war. Many survivors cannot afford medicines even when these are prescribed by a doctor. Many are unemployed
and live in poverty. Social and economic support services for the survivors are generally not available.
In addition, those responsible for their suffering, members of military forces, police and paramilitary groups, enjoy impunity. Some
remain in positions of power and live in the same community as their victims.
Survivors of sexual violence want the authorities to acknowledge their rights as victims of war crimes. Instead, the women still find
themselves marginalized and neglected. Women survivors of war crimes of sexual violence are discriminated against with regard to
social benefits and other support available to them in comparison to war veterans, who enjoy access to health care, generous pensions
and other social benefits.
Unlike the ex-combatants who formed powerful and vocal associations, women who experienced war rape are less likely to publicly
demand their rights. They are afraid of the social stigma attached to rape and they rarely even tell their families what happened to them
during the war.
This year the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities finally took a stand against the marginalization of survivors of war rape. As a result of
huge international pressure, including by Amnesty International, a number of policy and legal changes were initiated by the government
with the aim of bringing justice and reparation to survivors of war crimes of sexual violence.
In July the Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Justice announced that the government will amend relevant laws and set up a
state strategy on improving the situation for survivors of war crimes of sexual violence. It is crucial that the new government formed
after elections in October effectively continues the positive work initiated by their predecessors in response to survivors needs.
Click here to read more »
Bosnia: Srebrenica’s Most Wanted Remains at Large
15 Years After Genocide, No Arrest of Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic
July 8, 2010
(Brussels) - The Bosnian Serb wartime general, Ratko Mladic, one of the main architects of the genocide at Srebrenica, remains at large
even as victims' families gather to mark the 15th anniversary of the killings, Human Rights Watch said today.
"What happened in Srebrenica requires justice as well as memorialization," said Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human
Rights Watch. "Ratko Mladic's liberty is an affront to both."
On July 11, 1995, during the war in Bosnia, the United Nations and NATO allowed Bosnian Serb forces and Serb paramilitary unit
known as "the Scorpions" to seize the Muslim enclave of Srebrenica, even though the UN had declared it a "safe area." The Serb forces
executed between 7,000 and 8,000 Bosnian men and boys in the week after the fall of the town, the largest mass murder in Europe since
World War II.
There has been progress toward justice for the Srebrenica genocide in recent years. The Bosnian Serb wartime president, Radovan
Karadzic, is on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, facing charges that include genocide at Srebrenica.
On June 10, 2010, the tribunal sentenced two high-ranking Bosnian Serb military officers, Vujadin Popovic and Ljubisa Beara, to life in
prison for the Srebrenica genocide, the court's first convictions on the basis of personal responsibility for genocide. In 2001, the court
convicted Bosnian Serb General Radislav Krstic of aiding and abetting the genocide.
The European Union's requirement that Serbia cooperate fully with the tribunal as a condition for closer ties and Serbia's desire for EU
membership have been key factors leading to the recent progress in gaining Serbian cooperation, including Karadzic's transfer to The
Hague. But Mladic remains at liberty, despite repeated promises by the Serbian government to deliver him to justice. Both Mladic and the
other remaining fugitive from the tribunal, Goran Hadzic, are believed to be in Serbia. Hadzic is a Croatian Serb leader charged with
crimes against humanity - the murder and persecution of Croats and other non-Serb civilians in eastern Croatia between 1991 and 1993,
during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
Despite Serbia's failure to apprehend Mladic, the EU has begun to weaken its demands for justice on behalf of Srebrenica victims. On
June 14, the EU agreed to start ratification of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia, a step on the path toward EU
membership, even in the absence of full cooperation with the tribunal. Negotiations with Serbia for the agreement had been suspended in
2006 because of Serbia's failure to cooperate fully with the tribunal, and the failure to arrest Mladic had been singled out as an example
of the lack of cooperation.
Click here to read more »
15 Years After Genocide, No Arrest of Bosnian Serb General Ratko Mladic
July 8, 2010
(Brussels) - The Bosnian Serb wartime general, Ratko Mladic, one of the main architects of the genocide at Srebrenica, remains at large
even as victims' families gather to mark the 15th anniversary of the killings, Human Rights Watch said today.
"What happened in Srebrenica requires justice as well as memorialization," said Holly Cartner, Europe and Central Asia director at Human
Rights Watch. "Ratko Mladic's liberty is an affront to both."
On July 11, 1995, during the war in Bosnia, the United Nations and NATO allowed Bosnian Serb forces and Serb paramilitary unit
known as "the Scorpions" to seize the Muslim enclave of Srebrenica, even though the UN had declared it a "safe area." The Serb forces
executed between 7,000 and 8,000 Bosnian men and boys in the week after the fall of the town, the largest mass murder in Europe since
World War II.
There has been progress toward justice for the Srebrenica genocide in recent years. The Bosnian Serb wartime president, Radovan
Karadzic, is on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, facing charges that include genocide at Srebrenica.
On June 10, 2010, the tribunal sentenced two high-ranking Bosnian Serb military officers, Vujadin Popovic and Ljubisa Beara, to life in
prison for the Srebrenica genocide, the court's first convictions on the basis of personal responsibility for genocide. In 2001, the court
convicted Bosnian Serb General Radislav Krstic of aiding and abetting the genocide.
The European Union's requirement that Serbia cooperate fully with the tribunal as a condition for closer ties and Serbia's desire for EU
membership have been key factors leading to the recent progress in gaining Serbian cooperation, including Karadzic's transfer to The
Hague. But Mladic remains at liberty, despite repeated promises by the Serbian government to deliver him to justice. Both Mladic and the
other remaining fugitive from the tribunal, Goran Hadzic, are believed to be in Serbia. Hadzic is a Croatian Serb leader charged with
crimes against humanity - the murder and persecution of Croats and other non-Serb civilians in eastern Croatia between 1991 and 1993,
during the breakup of the former Yugoslavia.
Despite Serbia's failure to apprehend Mladic, the EU has begun to weaken its demands for justice on behalf of Srebrenica victims. On
June 14, the EU agreed to start ratification of a Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia, a step on the path toward EU
membership, even in the absence of full cooperation with the tribunal. Negotiations with Serbia for the agreement had been suspended in
2006 because of Serbia's failure to cooperate fully with the tribunal, and the failure to arrest Mladic had been singled out as an example
of the lack of cooperation.
Click here to read more »
New York, 13 October 2010
Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations at the UN Security Council
Debate on Post-conflict peacebuilding
Progress of the Secretary-General on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2010/386)
Report of the Secretary-General on women’s participation in peacebuilding (S/2010/466)
Bosnia and Herzegovina believes that the process of peacebuilding must be supported by a variety of national and international actors at
different levels, including political, technical, operational, national and regional. It is very important that, in the immediate aftermath of
conflict, the roles and responsibilities of different actors within the United Nations system be clearly defined.
Peacebuilding, as a primarily national challenge and responsibility, is largely shaped and sequenced by national factors. In that respect, an
early focus on national capacity development is a central theme of the United Nations system’s engagement in peacebuilding.
The development of national capacity and ownership are among the key priorities in this process. We are aware of the fact that
peacebuilding priorities may vary in response and can include inclusive political processes, the provision of basic services, restoring core
Government functions, or providing basic security or economic revitalization measures. Those activities are aimed at making peace self-
sustaining.
If we are to be able to provide security and deliver services to the population in the immediate aftermath of conflict, priority must be
given to the restoration of State authority and the capacity-building of national institutions. Only a viable State with a strong structure will
contribute to peace and stability and reduce the risk of relapse into conflict.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the view that mainstreaming women’s participation in peacebuilding, addressing their post-conflict needs,
increasing their engagement in post-conflict planning and governance, and enhancing their capacity to contribute to economic recovery
and overall social stability are key issues in post-conflict societies. We therefore consider that increasing women’s confidence in the
political process not only requires action in the immediate post-conflict period, but also influences the design of provisions on power-
sharing or justice. It is of vital importance to enhance the funding that addresses the specific needs of women and girls, the economic
empowerment of women and gender equality. The gender perspective needs to be filtered through country-specific situations. It should
also be an integral part of every aspect of peacebuilding on the ground. To that end, the role of women in peacebuilding needs to move
from a niche concern to the mainstream. Enhancing women’s capacity to engage in peacebuilding needs to include, inter alia, supporting
peace processes through independent diplomatic initiatives, providing bilateral assistance to post-conflict countries and participating
within United Nations intergovernmental bodies. We would like to underline the importance of enhancing the mobilization of resources
for initiatives that address women’s specific peacebuilding needs, advance their equality and empower them. We urge Member States
and other partners to render their support.
Click here to read more »
Statement by H.E. Mr. Ivan Barbalić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations at the UN Security Council
Debate on Post-conflict peacebuilding
Progress of the Secretary-General on peacebuilding in the immediate aftermath of conflict (S/2010/386)
Report of the Secretary-General on women’s participation in peacebuilding (S/2010/466)
Bosnia and Herzegovina believes that the process of peacebuilding must be supported by a variety of national and international actors at
different levels, including political, technical, operational, national and regional. It is very important that, in the immediate aftermath of
conflict, the roles and responsibilities of different actors within the United Nations system be clearly defined.
Peacebuilding, as a primarily national challenge and responsibility, is largely shaped and sequenced by national factors. In that respect, an
early focus on national capacity development is a central theme of the United Nations system’s engagement in peacebuilding.
The development of national capacity and ownership are among the key priorities in this process. We are aware of the fact that
peacebuilding priorities may vary in response and can include inclusive political processes, the provision of basic services, restoring core
Government functions, or providing basic security or economic revitalization measures. Those activities are aimed at making peace self-
sustaining.
If we are to be able to provide security and deliver services to the population in the immediate aftermath of conflict, priority must be
given to the restoration of State authority and the capacity-building of national institutions. Only a viable State with a strong structure will
contribute to peace and stability and reduce the risk of relapse into conflict.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is of the view that mainstreaming women’s participation in peacebuilding, addressing their post-conflict needs,
increasing their engagement in post-conflict planning and governance, and enhancing their capacity to contribute to economic recovery
and overall social stability are key issues in post-conflict societies. We therefore consider that increasing women’s confidence in the
political process not only requires action in the immediate post-conflict period, but also influences the design of provisions on power-
sharing or justice. It is of vital importance to enhance the funding that addresses the specific needs of women and girls, the economic
empowerment of women and gender equality. The gender perspective needs to be filtered through country-specific situations. It should
also be an integral part of every aspect of peacebuilding on the ground. To that end, the role of women in peacebuilding needs to move
from a niche concern to the mainstream. Enhancing women’s capacity to engage in peacebuilding needs to include, inter alia, supporting
peace processes through independent diplomatic initiatives, providing bilateral assistance to post-conflict countries and participating
within United Nations intergovernmental bodies. We would like to underline the importance of enhancing the mobilization of resources
for initiatives that address women’s specific peacebuilding needs, advance their equality and empower them. We urge Member States
and other partners to render their support.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SERBIAN BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Days of the Ombudsman in 2009 in the region of Bijeljina - continuing activities
Bijeljina, 07 12. 2009th
The Action "Days of the Ombudsman" continues. Advisor to the Ombudsman in the field office in Bijeljina, Nada Perkovic,
spent the following activities:
18/11/2009. yr. visited the municipality of Zvornik and met with Mayor Zoran Stevanovic, on the situation in the municipality, the work
of local government, work for legal aid department in the administrative services of the municipality, the implementation of the Law on
Freedom of Access to Information. Both sides noted the good cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman in Bijeljina, as the
municipality provides for uredovanje Ombudsman's office, the secretary who takes care of scheduling and other parties. uredovanje
necessary for the Ombudsman.
On the same day at the Center for Social Work Zvornik, met with representatives of the Center Nevenka Bunjevac, social workers,
Sladjana Pajic, and Mira Nikolic psychologist, social worker about the overall state of social protection of citizens of this municipality,
domestic violence cases and juvenile delinquency.
The Basic Court in Zvornik spoke with Muhammad Predsjenikom Vejzović problems that are related to the efficiency of the Court. She
met him with ativnostima Ombudsman, and confirmed the common good collaboration.
On the Radio "daybreak" Zvornik, Counselor in polučasovnoj show presented the work of the Ombudsman and informed citizens to
office in Zvornik, Bijeljina regulates twice a month, as well as mogušnošću conversation with the Ombudsman and the way of
scheduling the interview.
28/11/2009. Lopare visited the council and met with Mayor Lopare all. The work of Savic, President of the Municipal Assembly Lopare
Milenko Ristic, Deputy Mayor Ranko Todorovic and Head of the General Administration of Administrative services in the municipality
Lopare, the overall situation and the realization of human rights of citizens in the municipality Lopare, and introduced them to the
activities of the Ombudsman and the complaints of citizens to work local government. It was noted good cooperation with the local
government Ombudsman RS-Office in Bijeljina.
Also, razvgovarala and the Director of the Center for Social Work Lopare Momom Radojevic on the state of social protection in this
municipality, the problems that are present and efforts to the level of social protection opoboljša.
The building of the Municipality conducted a discussion with parties that are looking for.
Click here to read more »
Days of the Ombudsman in 2009 in the region of Bijeljina - continuing activities
Bijeljina, 07 12. 2009th
The Action "Days of the Ombudsman" continues. Advisor to the Ombudsman in the field office in Bijeljina, Nada Perkovic,
spent the following activities:
18/11/2009. yr. visited the municipality of Zvornik and met with Mayor Zoran Stevanovic, on the situation in the municipality, the work
of local government, work for legal aid department in the administrative services of the municipality, the implementation of the Law on
Freedom of Access to Information. Both sides noted the good cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman in Bijeljina, as the
municipality provides for uredovanje Ombudsman's office, the secretary who takes care of scheduling and other parties. uredovanje
necessary for the Ombudsman.
On the same day at the Center for Social Work Zvornik, met with representatives of the Center Nevenka Bunjevac, social workers,
Sladjana Pajic, and Mira Nikolic psychologist, social worker about the overall state of social protection of citizens of this municipality,
domestic violence cases and juvenile delinquency.
The Basic Court in Zvornik spoke with Muhammad Predsjenikom Vejzović problems that are related to the efficiency of the Court. She
met him with ativnostima Ombudsman, and confirmed the common good collaboration.
On the Radio "daybreak" Zvornik, Counselor in polučasovnoj show presented the work of the Ombudsman and informed citizens to
office in Zvornik, Bijeljina regulates twice a month, as well as mogušnošću conversation with the Ombudsman and the way of
scheduling the interview.
28/11/2009. Lopare visited the council and met with Mayor Lopare all. The work of Savic, President of the Municipal Assembly Lopare
Milenko Ristic, Deputy Mayor Ranko Todorovic and Head of the General Administration of Administrative services in the municipality
Lopare, the overall situation and the realization of human rights of citizens in the municipality Lopare, and introduced them to the
activities of the Ombudsman and the complaints of citizens to work local government. It was noted good cooperation with the local
government Ombudsman RS-Office in Bijeljina.
Also, razvgovarala and the Director of the Center for Social Work Lopare Momom Radojevic on the state of social protection in this
municipality, the problems that are present and efforts to the level of social protection opoboljša.
The building of the Municipality conducted a discussion with parties that are looking for.
Click here to read more »
Sarajevo, 19 April 2010
REPORT
on implementation of the project “Civil society and local community” (Fact-finding mission through education)
Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina [hereinafter: HCHR BIH], supported by the Norwegian Helsinki
Committee, implemented the project called “Civil Society and Local Community” through organizing one-day seminars in seven local
communities with participants coming from 17 towns in B&H (Mostar, Čapljina, Nevesinje, Srebrenica, Tuzla, Zvornik, Bijeljina, Velika
Kladuša, Bihać, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Mrkonjić Grad, Bosansko Grahovo, Jajce, Goražde, Šipovo and Glamoč). Target groups for the
seminars were representatives of legislative and executive government at the local level, working bodies of the municipal councils,
individuals responsible for enforcement and affirmation of human rights and freedoms in local communities, and non-governmental
organizations.
The goal of the seminars was to build capacities of Municipal Human Rights Commissions so they can protect rights of citizens more
efficiently, as well as to initiate dialogue, exchange of experiences and knowledge about international human rights standards and
instruments, in relation to existing practices and obligations of local communities. Another goal was to initiate joint contemplation and
identification of ways and solutions for better quality and more comprehensive policies of citizen inclusion in decision-making processes
in local communities. The seminars were attended by around 175 participants.
In the third phase of project implementation, previously formed mission team has visited local communities which were participants in
round table education (Srebrenica- Tuzla, Mostar- Nevesinje, Zvornik- Bijeljina, Prijedor- Sanski Most, Bihać- Velika Kladuša, Mrkonjić
Grad- Jajce, Goražde-Ustiprača). The goal was to perform monitoring of work of municipal Commissions whose task is protection and
affirmation of human rights and freedoms in these communities (Commission for Human Rights, Commission for Gender Equality,
Youth Commission, Commission for Relations with NGOs and Religious Communities, Commissions for the Work of Local
Communities, Commission for Complaints and Appeals of Citizens, Commission for Work with Micro- local Communities, Commissions
for Preservation of Human Environment, Commission for Return, Development and Integration) and the implementation of gained
knowledge on these Commissions. Of course, it is important to underline here that in the moment when our missions started, the plans,
agendas and budgets of Municipal Councils for 2009 have already been adopted, so the implementation of our recommendations and
positive changes, we can expect during 2010.
During these visits, the monitoring team established communication with NGOs from local communities. On the basis of this
communication, through questionnaires and surveys, important data on the visions and experiences of NGOs regarding democratic
mechanisms, which enable the participation of civil sector in the decision making process, were collected. *A1
As for the working bodies, on the basis of performed monitoring, the team stated that these Commissions as working bodies of
municipal councils/municipal sssemblies, are mainly formed in all local communities or they were in the process of forming in 2009., like
for example Mostar (in municipal council of Mostar, because of the political situation, Mayor or working bodies haven't been selected
until January 2010).
Click here to read more>>
REPORT
on implementation of the project “Civil society and local community” (Fact-finding mission through education)
Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina [hereinafter: HCHR BIH], supported by the Norwegian Helsinki
Committee, implemented the project called “Civil Society and Local Community” through organizing one-day seminars in seven local
communities with participants coming from 17 towns in B&H (Mostar, Čapljina, Nevesinje, Srebrenica, Tuzla, Zvornik, Bijeljina, Velika
Kladuša, Bihać, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Mrkonjić Grad, Bosansko Grahovo, Jajce, Goražde, Šipovo and Glamoč). Target groups for the
seminars were representatives of legislative and executive government at the local level, working bodies of the municipal councils,
individuals responsible for enforcement and affirmation of human rights and freedoms in local communities, and non-governmental
organizations.
The goal of the seminars was to build capacities of Municipal Human Rights Commissions so they can protect rights of citizens more
efficiently, as well as to initiate dialogue, exchange of experiences and knowledge about international human rights standards and
instruments, in relation to existing practices and obligations of local communities. Another goal was to initiate joint contemplation and
identification of ways and solutions for better quality and more comprehensive policies of citizen inclusion in decision-making processes
in local communities. The seminars were attended by around 175 participants.
In the third phase of project implementation, previously formed mission team has visited local communities which were participants in
round table education (Srebrenica- Tuzla, Mostar- Nevesinje, Zvornik- Bijeljina, Prijedor- Sanski Most, Bihać- Velika Kladuša, Mrkonjić
Grad- Jajce, Goražde-Ustiprača). The goal was to perform monitoring of work of municipal Commissions whose task is protection and
affirmation of human rights and freedoms in these communities (Commission for Human Rights, Commission for Gender Equality,
Youth Commission, Commission for Relations with NGOs and Religious Communities, Commissions for the Work of Local
Communities, Commission for Complaints and Appeals of Citizens, Commission for Work with Micro- local Communities, Commissions
for Preservation of Human Environment, Commission for Return, Development and Integration) and the implementation of gained
knowledge on these Commissions. Of course, it is important to underline here that in the moment when our missions started, the plans,
agendas and budgets of Municipal Councils for 2009 have already been adopted, so the implementation of our recommendations and
positive changes, we can expect during 2010.
During these visits, the monitoring team established communication with NGOs from local communities. On the basis of this
communication, through questionnaires and surveys, important data on the visions and experiences of NGOs regarding democratic
mechanisms, which enable the participation of civil sector in the decision making process, were collected. *A1
As for the working bodies, on the basis of performed monitoring, the team stated that these Commissions as working bodies of
municipal councils/municipal sssemblies, are mainly formed in all local communities or they were in the process of forming in 2009., like
for example Mostar (in municipal council of Mostar, because of the political situation, Mayor or working bodies haven't been selected
until January 2010).
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Zeljko Komsic (Croat)
Co-President since 01 October 2006
Co-President since 01 October 2006
Bakir Izetbegovia (Bosniak)
Co-President since 3 October 2010
Co-President since 3 October 2010
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Nebojsa Radmanovic (Serb)
Chairman of the Presidency
since 10 November 2010
Chairman of the Presidency
since 10 November 2010
