The Office of the High Representative (OHR) is an ad hoc international institution responsible for overseeing implementation of civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement ending the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The position of High Representative was created under the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, usually referred to as the Dayton Peace Agreement, that was negotiated in Dayton, Ohio, and signed in Paris on 14 December 1995. The High Representative is working with the people and institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the international community to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina evolves into a peaceful and viable democracy on course for integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.

The OHR is working towards the point where Bosnia and Herzegovina is able to take full responsibility for its own affairs. The Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, the international body guiding the peace process, concluded at its July 2011 meeting, that it “look[ed] forward to close cooperation and coordination between the enhanced EU presence, the High Representative in BiH, and other international community actors in line with their respective existing roles.”

In order to support Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union has increased its commitment to the country.