In order to speed up a process of return and repossession of property across BiH the former High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch on 4th of December 2001 issued a package of laws further amending the property laws of both entities (see December 5, 2001 Press release). The amended laws specifically take account of the fact that many categories of persons may be considered to have had their housing needs met, including those who accept land plots or housing construction assistance and have sufficient time to build, as well as those who show no interest in filing a claim for their property, or in pursuing enforcement of their claims.

The amendments were drafted in close partnership with the relevant ministries from both entities, the State Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, as well as UNHCR, OSCE, CRPC and UNMIBH, and contain suggestions from many housing offices, DP and refugee associations.

A public information campaign (TV spots, radio jingles, press ads, leaflet, posters) accompanied these amendments in order to ensure that both occupants and claimants of property, were properly informed of the changes or deadlines affecting them and this leaflet/poster outlines some of those changes.