15.12.1998

Human Rights Report December 1998

SUMMARY

  • IPTF inspection team deployed to examine performance of Stolac police in preventing and responding to returnee-related violence
  • Violent incidents in Eastern RS following SFOR detention of indicted war crimes suspect, including attack on ECMM monitors
  • Progress on returns to Polje and Rastani
  • RS police officers disqualified for involvement in torture and ill-treatment in Pale
  • OSCE, OHR, OHCHR and UNMiBH condemn verdict handed down in re-trial of Zvornik 7 case
  • PIC human rights and rule of law priorities for 1999

    RETURN-RELATED INCIDENTS

    [This section is primarily based on OSCE and UNMIBH reports]

    Federation

  1. Stolac Update: IPTF reports over 70 return-related incidents in Stolac municipality since March 1998. To date, local police investigations have not led to the official identification of any suspects nor have they resulted in any formal charges. As a result of the inadequate response of local police and Municipal/Cantonal authorities to returnee-related violence, IPTF deployed a 24-person inspection team in early December to examine the performance of the Stolac police in preventing and responding to returnee-related violence. IPTF is currently in the process of analysing its findings and identifying the organisational and operational changes needed to establish a professional police force in Stolac.
  2. On 25 December, a Bosniak-owned house was partially destroyed as a result of an explosion in Aladinici, Stolac municipality. A fire was set alight in the basement of the house and a hand grenade thrown into the house by the perpetrators when leaving. This is the sixth attack on this family. On 30 December, a Bosniak-owned house was damaged as a result of an explosion in Kecici, Capljina municipality.

    Republika Srpska

  3. Violent Incidents in Eastern Republika Srpska: The detention of General Krstic (see below, at para. 10) was followed by a number of violent incidents in Eastern RS. On 3 December, a UN vehicle was destroyed in front of the IPTF Vlasenica Station. On 4 December, a public rally was held in Vlasenica in response to General Krstic’s arrest. Following a statement made at the rally by the President of the Vlasenica Municipal Assembly alleging that General Krstic had been tortured by SFOR troops during his detention and that the municipality could no longer guarantee the security of international officials, the crowd attacked two ECMM monitors, injured one and burnt an ECMM vehicle. The local police responded to the incident in a professional manner. During the night of 4 December, an explosion occurred near the IPTF Bratunac Station and an explosive was thrown at a former IPTF private residence in Vlasenica.
  4. On 15 December, under his Bonn powers, the High Representative suspended the President of the Vlasenica Municipal Assembly pending the findings and results of an ongoing criminal investigation initiated by the RS government into his participation in the public rally in Vlasenica, leading to threats against the lives of representatives of the International Community [Ed. Note: Following the suspension, the President of the Vlasenica Municipal Assembly continued to exercise his officials duties. On 15 January, the High Representative relieved the President of the Vlasenica Municipal Assembly from his office with immediate effect]. Further legal action arising from these incidents has included the indictment of the President of the Vlasenica Municipal Assembly by the Public Prosecutor for spreading false information resulting in civil disturbance (Article 203 of RS Criminal Code), a charge brought against the Director of the Vlasenica Information Centre for inciting resistance (Article 201 of RS Criminal Code). A further 12 civilians have been charged for violent behaviour (Article 204 of RS Criminal Code), including the assault and damage to ECMM members and equipment. IPTF is monitoring the investigation of the local police.
  5. Other incidents: On 13 December, a hand grenade was thrown through the window of the Office for Return of Refugees and Property (MoR) in Modrica. Office equipment and windows were damaged, but there were no injuries. The Modrica MoR is used as the SDP party premises and is an NGO initiative led by a member of the SDP in the RS National Assembly. The member played a key role in negotiations with the Modrica municipal authorities in spring which led to an agreement on the return of Bosniak refugees to Modrica.

  1. RIGHT TO RETURN/FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

  2. Polje and Rastani Returns Update: There has been significant progress on returns to Polje (Fed) and Rastani (Fed) in December, following the signing on 9 December by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mostar of an Addendum to the Agreement on Returns Within the City of Mostar, specifying that a further 31 houses in Polje be vacated by Bosniak occupants by 15 January 1999. On 10 December, around 50 Croat displaced persons carried out an assessment visit to Polje, Mostar Municipality West. On 11 December, approximately 100 Bosniak displaced persons returned to Rastani, Mostar Municipality West, including 30 staying overnight. In both instances, the displaced persons were welcomed by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mostar. These events represent a step forward in achieving two-way returns within Mostar, but political negotiations concerning the return to Polje are still ongoing, and as yet there are no Croat returnees present in Polje, evidence of ongoing obstruction to this return. The return of Serb displaced persons to Rastani, which was blocked in September, is expected in early February 1999 (see HRCC Monthly Report, August-September 1998, at para. 9).
  3. Freedom of Movement: The body of a taxi driver from Sarajevo was found close to the Dayton Café between Pale (RS) and Sarajevo (Fed) on 28 December. Within a few hours after the discovery of the dead body, between 500 and 1000 taxi drivers started blocking the transit road to Pale and crossing points on the IEBL. In the Stari Grad municipality in Sarajevo, a group of 200 to 300 people attacked a UN vehicle from Belgrade, threatening the occupants. The local police secured the UN vehicle. The road blocks were removed the same evening following meetings between IPTF, the Sarajevo Taxi Drivers Association, the local police and the Minister of Interior of Canton Sarajevo. IPTF are monitoring the RS/Federation local police joint investigation.

    RIGHT TO PHYSICAL INTEGRITY

  4. RS Police Officers Disqualified: On 18 December, the IPTF Commissioner, in consultation with the Special Representative of the Secretary General, disqualified two serving RS police officers for their involvement in the torture and ill-treatment of suspects and witnesses held in connection with the 7 August murder of Srdjan Knezevic, Deputy Chief of the Pale Public Security Centre (PSC). The two officers are Momir Vukovic, Chief of Staff of the Pale PSC and Spasoje Camur, Head of the Crime Department of the Pale PSC. Mr. Vukovic, in his capacity as one of the directors of the murder investigation, and Mr. Camur, in his capacity as chief investigator, had direct knowledge that 14 persons were being held in illegal detention and tortured for up to ten days. This follows the IPTF Commissioner’s disqualification of Ljubisa Savic, the former Chief of RS Uniformed Police, on 14 September, for his direct engagement in, and supervision of, the torture and ill-treatment of the detainees (see HRCC Monthly Report, August-September 1998, paras. 18-20). In addition, three former RS police officers were issued with notices of disqualification for their roles in the investigation. The three officers are Zivko Bojic, former Chief of the RS Crime Police; Radenko Markovic and Radivoje Stajic, both former police officers assigned to the Bijeljina Public Security Station. Mr. Bojic was in charge of the investigation, while Mr. Markovic and Mr. Stajic both directly engaged in beating and threatening the detainees.
  5. The disqualification of these persons ensures that they can never exercise police powers anywhere in BiH. The acts committed by these police officers constitute gross misconduct and a serious violation of international human rights standards, as well as democratic policing principles. The IPTF Commissioner has further demanded that a criminal investigation be initiated against these officers for extracting statements by duress (Article 53 of RS Criminal Code) and ill-treatment of detainees (Article 54 of RS Criminal Code) The investigation will be closely monitored by the IPTF.

  1. RULE OF LAW

  2. Bosnian Serb Indictee Detained by SFOR: Bosnian Serb General Radislav Krstic was detained by SFOR troops on 2 December under a sealed indictment of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and subsequently transferred to the Detention Unit of the ICTY in The Hague. Krstic made his initial appearance on 7 December before Trial Chamber I and pleaded not guilty to each charge of the indictment. The indictment alleges that the accused, as the Commander of the Drina Corps of the Bosnian Serb Army, committed Genocide during and after the fall of Srebrenica between 11 July 1995 and 1 November 1995. The accused is also charged with five other counts in the indictment, all relating to the events which surround the fall of Srebrenica, namely Complicity to Commit Genocide; Extermination, a Crime Against Humanity; Murder, a Crime Against Humanity and a Violation of the Laws or Customs of War; and Persecutions, a Crime Against Humanity. The accused is charged in respect of his direct personal involvement in the commission of these crimes and also as being responsible as a commander for the actions of those under his authority. The detention of General Krstic was followed by a number of violent incidents in eastern RS (see above, at para. 3).
  3. Zvornik Seven Update: On 12 December, the Bijeljina District Court (RS) handed down a verdict in the re-trial of the Zvornik 7 case. The case involves the trial of seven Bosniak men who fled after the fall of Srebrenica (RS) and remained in hiding in RS territory for almost one year. Charges against three of the defendants, who were accused only of illegal possession of weapons, had already been dropped; the remaining defendants were convicted of the murders of four Serb woodcutters, as well as a Bosniak companion, during the time they were in hiding. Three of the defendants, including one tried in absentia, were found guilty of murder; the fourth was found guilty of attempted murder. Two defendants received sentences of 20 years; one received a sentence of 11 years; and the defendant tried in absentia received a sentence of 10 years.
  4. In a press release issued on 15 December, OSCE, OHR, UNMIBH and OHCHR condemned the verdict of the Court. The only evidence tying the defendants to the alleged crimes were confessions taken during the original investigation; the Court apparently relied on these confessions despite allegations that the defendants had been mistreated and the confessions coerced. Both international law and the law of the RS prohibit the coercion of statements, as well as the use of coerced statements as the basis of judicial decisions. Additionally, under RS law, the court cannot pronounce a guilty verdict based exclusively on a confession. Furthermore, there are strong indications of political influence over the courts in the case. The defence lawyers have filed appeals to the RS Supreme Court and the international community called upon the Supreme Court to expeditiously consider the evidentiary, statutory and constitutional questions raised in the appeal of this verdict. [Ed. Note: On 18 January, the Human Rights Ombudsperson for Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a Special Report in which she concludes that the criminal proceedings against the defendants in the Zvornik case and conviction are in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and therefore Annex 6 of the Dayton Peace Agreement].
  5. Federation and RS Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes: Phase One revisions to the Federation Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes became effective on 28 November. Work on Phase Two revisions, which will involve more substantive changes to the laws, will commence in 1999. With the enactment of the new laws, additional training seminars are being offered to ensure that members of the legal profession are fully aware of the new provisions. Phase One revision in the RS is entering its final stage as the RS Experts Group reviews comments from the RS courts, police and prosecutors on the initial changes to the codes. Following this review, Council of Europe experts will review and comment on the codes, with a meeting expected in March or April 1999 to finalize the revisions. The revised codes will then be presented to the RS Government for introduction in the National Assembly.
  6. Judicial Selection and Dismissal Procedures: In the Federation a draft law on judicial selection and dismissal has been submitted to the Association of Federation Judges for review and comment as well as to Council of Europe experts. The draft law will ensure that selection of judicial candidates will be reviewed in a transparent manner based upon their qualifications rather than upon political or ethnic considerations. Groundwork is proceeding to develop a similar law for the RS which will include an independent selection process for both judges and prosecutors.

    PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROPERTY LEGISLATION

    Federation Property Legislation
  7. Pursuant to the review of the Federation laws on property and housing initiated by the High Representative, OHR is currently holding detailed discussions with the Federation Ministry for Urban Planning and the Environment on the criteria for reallocation of apartments in cases of permanent occupancy right holders, and various urgent amendments to the Law on Cessation of Application of the Law on Abandoned Apartments and the Law on Abandoned Property, the Law on Sale of Apartments and the Law on Housing Relations. This review is intended to remove outstanding inequities and procedural obstacles to the return process.
  8. OHR is intensifying its efforts regarding the problem of non-compliance by the military authorities with the property laws. The property laws apply to military apartments as to all other socially-owned apartments. The military authorities however have failed to relinquish control of their housing stock and relevant files to the competent civilian authorities. Moreover, the extra-legal claims process established by the military authorities is blocking the return of pre-war occupants to their apartments. [Ed. Note: OHR intervened in the week of 4 January 1999 to prevent the Federation Parliament from considering a draft law which would have exempted the military housing stock from the civilian laws].
  9. OHR is co-ordinating a second comprehensive inter-agency review of the implementation of the property and housing laws, to identify the main political and practical obstacles. The review will provide information on a municipal basis throughout the Federation and should be completed during February 1999. The results will be made available to the RRTF and the donor community.

    Republika Srpska Property Legislation Update

  10. The Law on Cessation of Application of the Law on Abandoned Property, as adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly on 2 December, was published in the RS Official Gazette on 11 December, and entered into force on 19 December. The Law provides for the establishment of an administrative claims process for the repossession of property, similar to the Federation property laws. While the adoption of the Law represents a major step forward, it contains a number of flaws, including weak provisions for the eviction of current occupants of abandoned property. OHR will work with the RS Government to resolve these issues in the coming months. A draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Housing Relations is still to be passed by the National Assembly. [Ed. Note: On 11 January 1999, the RS Minister for Refugees and Displaced Persons signed an Instruction on the organisation of the claims process, which contains a number of additional important procedural safeguards].

    Evictions in Republika Srpska

  11. All evictions for minority reinstatements in Republika Srpska remain suspended, following the conclusion adopted by the RS National Assembly on 9 December, from 15 December 1998 until 15 April 1999, except where alternative accommodation is available. However, the Ministry for Refugees scheduled several evictions at the end of December (none of them for minority reinstatement). The Human Rights Ombudsperson issued 12 orders for interim measures in the last days of the year. The Deputy High Representative for Human Rights intervened with the RS Minister of Justice on 6 December, protesting at the suspension, which undermines the rule of law and violates the commitments made by the RS Government at the Returns Conference in Banja Luka in April 1998; and insisting that evictions leading to the reinstatement of ‘floater’ cases be continued.
  12. On 14 December the reinstatements of three ‘floater’ cases took place. These were facilitated through the UNHCR Banja Luka buffer accommodation project. Recognising the shortage of housing in Banja Luka, the project aims to facilitate the return of ‘floaters’ to their pre-war homes of origin by creating movement through the provision of temporary buffer accommodation for displaced persons who are currently occupying their homes. The project requires the co-operation of the municipality and beneficiaries are selected by the Banja Luka Evictions Working Group, which consists of representatives of relevant international organisations.

  1. INSTITUTIONAL AND POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

  2. Media Experts Commission Report on 1998 Elections: At the end of November, the Media Experts Commission (MEC) released its report on “Media in Elections 1998.” The MEC was established in April 1996 by the Provisional Election Commission (PEC) as an independent body to guarantee that elections were carried out in an open and responsible media environment. The Report stated that the MEC played a crucial role in improving the media climate during the 1998 elections by not tolerating election rules violations and ensuring swift, fair and immediate action. The MEC reviewed and acted upon more than 200 cases of alleged media misconduct during the election period either via the Media Experts Sub-Commissions (MESCs), the regional arms of the MEC, or the MEC itself in Sarajevo. Of these the great majority were resolved by the MEC. The MEC also monitored the media before the start of the election campaign, directed local media to devote equitable coverage to political parties and enforced an election blackout period. As a result, for the first time, government-controlled media covered diverse political parties, broadcast commercials from opposition parties, and largely complied with internationally-accepted election rules.
  3. The Report makes a number of recommendations for improving the media in BiH and for protecting journalists’ freedom of expression. These include the development of a National Press Council to hear complaints about unfair, unbalanced or inaccurate media coverage and the development of journalist associations to ensure their professional development in consultation with other national and international organisations. The MEC’s mandate expired on 31 October and its work has been assumed by the Independent Media Commission (IMC). The IMC has a broader mandate than the MEC in that it is not limited to election campaign periods but extends to the licensing of media, the implementation of a standard code of practice for broadcasting and promoting high standards of professionalism.
  4. The Council of Europe organised a round table on the Trafficking of Persons for the Purpose of Forced Prostitution, held in Tuzla on 16 and 17 December. Representatives from the Entity Ministries of the Interior and of Justice, as well as members of the international community and non governmental organisations, attended the round table. The foreign ministry of the Ukraine was also represented and provided disturbing information as to the numbers of women they believe have been trafficked from the Ukraine into BiH. It is not known if all remained in BiH. Both Entities confirmed that there are large numbers of Ukrainian women and others working as prostitutes in BiH, most having left Ukraine to take up legitimate employment and subsequently having being forced into the sex industry. The purchase price for women is reportedly around 2,000 DM. Current policy in both Entities is to prosecute the women and/or to deport them to a third country. At the end of December, four women escaped from a brothel in Sokolac (RS) and were eventually returned to Ukraine; no prosecution of the perpetrators was considered. The round table adopted a series of conclusions, including the need to establish an experts working group to analyse the current situation and form the basis of future action, with the focus being on the protection of the women and the guaranteeing of their rights.
  5. To mark the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Human Rights Day, 10 December 1998, OSCE Human Rights drafted an introductory background paper on the UDHR and a lesson plan on human rights. These were distributed to most primary and secondary school teachers within BiH to ensure that one hour of teaching was devoted to human rights on Human Rights Day. Generally the materials and classes were well received by both pupils and teachers alike. In addition, a number of school directors from both the Federation and the RS requested additional teaching materials and suggested that human rights education be incorporated within the regular curricula. Other events to mark the 50th anniversary included a Commemoration organised by the Helsinki Committee of Human Rights in BiH on Human Rights Day itself; a Council of Europe sponsored Human Rights Conference hosted by the Human Rights Centre of the University of Sarajevo assessing the human rights situation three years after the signing of the Peace Agreement; a joint UNHCR and the Council of Europe Conference on Human Rights of Refugees; a special book presentation of “The Right to Freedom of Religious Practice in BiH” organised by the World Conference on Religion and Peace; and a reception held by the Federation Ombudsmen where they awarded prizes to winners of a children’s writing competition for submission of articles on human rights.
  6. A meeting entitled “Statutes and Legal Bases of a Council for Higher Education” was held under the auspices of the Council of Europe in Mostar on 2 and 3 December. The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister of Education and the Deputy Minister of Education. RS authorities were not present at the meeting. The Council for Higher Education will be an autonomous Inter-Entity institution, including representatives of the academic community and authorities responsible for higher education. The Council will propose guidelines for higher education policy, taking into account international co-operation. The next meeting is scheduled for early February 1999 in Banja Luka.

  1. HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS

  2. Human Rights Institutions: At the end of November, the Human Rights Chamber had registered 1,329 cases, issued final and binding decisions with respect to 42 cases and granted orders for provisional measures in 64 cases, following 13 public hearings. The Commission on Real Property Claims for Displaced Persons and Refugees had received claims concerning 148,167 properties, and had made decisions with respect to 25,421 properties. At the end of December, the Office of the Ombudsperson had registered 2,742 cases, issued final reports with respect to 293, transferred 110 cases to the Human Rights Chamber and issued 13 ex-officio “Special Reports.”
  3. Implementation: Some progress on implementation of Annex 6 Institutions was observed in December. Official notification of compliance with Chamber decisions in death penalty cases in the Federation was given, for example, with sentences changed to 40 years imprisonment, and one decision involving a property right was implemented. The OHR expressed its approval and hoped that this pattern will continue with the many remaining cases, including JNA apartment cases and other outstanding property cases in both Entities. The Office of the Ombudsperson has reported that the RS has now complied in large part with outstanding reports issued by the Ombudsperson directed to the RS, largely through the reinstatement of occupancy right holders.
  4. Human Rights Commission Liaison Offices: Two new Liaison Offices for the Human Rights Commission were created in December 1998. On 10 December, the Federation established the ‘Office for Co-operation With and Representation Before the Human Rights Commission.’ On 25 December, the Republika Srpska established the ‘Office of the Legal Representative of Republika Srpska’. Both offices represent the interests of their respective government before the Human Rights Chamber and the Office of the Ombudsperson. In the past, the lack of such offices has led to inconsistent appearances before the Ombudsperson. The creation of these offices is a positive step in increasing compliance with the decisions of the Human Rights Commission.
  5. Human Rights Chamber: The Human Rights Chamber met for its 31st session from 14 to 19 December. During its session, the Chamber held public hearings in the case of Zahirovic v. BiH and the Federation of BiH and of D.M. v. Federation of BiH. In the Zahirovic case, the applicant, who is of Bosniak origin, had been employed for about 30 years by the Livno Bus Company, at the time a socially owned company. In July 1993, the applicant and 51 other workers of Bosniak descent were placed on a “waiting list,” and their wages were replaced by a “compensation” of 80 DEM per month, which they received until 1 June 1997. In July 1997, they found out that they were no longer on the “waiting list;” no reasons were given for their allegedly effective dismissal. The applicant and his colleagues brought proceedings before the First Instance Court of Livno. To date, no hearing has been held. The applicant essentially alleges violations of his rights to a fair hearing and to respect for his private and family life, as guaranteed by Articles 6 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
  6. In the D.M. case, the applicant is the owner of a house in Kablici and is of Bosniak origin. In 1993, her house was allegedly illegally occupied and shortly thereafter she went abroad. In October 1997, she initiated proceedings against the current occupant before the Municipal Court in Livno, seeking to regain possession of her house. There have been no developments in these proceedings to date. The Chamber has been provided with a list of 56 similar sets of proceedings pending before the courts of Canton 10 and relating to repossession of claims. This list allegedly shows a pattern of discrimination against persons of Bosniak origin in that their claims are not being considered. The applicant alleges violations of her rights to a fair trial, to respect for her private and family life and to property, as guaranteed by Articles 6 and 8 of the ECHR and Article 1 of Protocol No. to the ECHR. A representative of the Federation Ombudsperson participated in the hearing as amicus curiae. [Chamber decisions and reports are available from the Secretariat or on the Internet at http://www.gwdg.de/~ujvr/hrch.htm].

    MADRID PEACE IMPLEMENTATION COUNCIL

  7. The members of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC) met in Madrid on 15-16 December 1998 for their annual meeting to review progress in implementing the Peace Agreement in BiH. The following summarises key priorities for the International Community and local parties within the field of Human Rights and the Rule of Law for 1999 as outlined in the Madrid Declaration and Annex (PIC documents available at www.ohr.int/pic.htm). (For further details, see Human Rights Priorities for 1999, available at www.ohr.int/hr-report/sr9901.htm)
  8. Judicial Reform: A top priority for 1999 will be to build the rule of law in BiH, through a comprehensive judicial reform strategic plan including, inter alia: adoption of legislation to achieve an independent and impartial judiciary; the adoption of judicial and prosecutorial code of ethics and establishment of a disciplinary and dismissal system; strengthening the role of Entity-level prosecutors and their de-politicisation; training initiatives for legal professionals and support for establishment of judicial training centres; strengthening local law centres; strengthening the BiH Constitutional Court; and developing and strengthening enforcement mechanisms for legal rulings.
  9. Human Rights Institutions: The PIC called for immediate and full implementation of all decisions issued by the Human Rights Chamber and the Commission for Real Property Claims, as well as compliance with the reports of the Ombudsperson and Federation Ombudsmen, and the application of the standards set forth in the European Convention by an independent judiciary; durable appointment and full participation of State and Entity agents to the Human Rights Commission, including the immediate appointment of a RS agent; assumption by the authorities of their financial responsibilities to these institutions; establishment of the office of the RS Ombudsperson, in accordance with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, without further delay.
  10. Property Legislation: The PIC expects both Entities to undertake regular reviews of their legal and administrative regimes concerning property to facilitate the implementation of Annex 7. The PIC called on the High Representative to monitor closely the implementation of the property laws in both Entities, and to ensure that donors are informed of progress to assist them in making funding decisions.
  11. Education: The PIC called for, inter alia: full co-operation of the Education Ministers of both Entities with the agreement on the removal of offensive materials from textbooks; a commitment by the Entity authorities to the development of curricula in both Entities which meet international standards and contribute to tolerance and stability.
  12. Discrimination: Addressing discrimination in all its forms, including promoting gender equality, must be an integral component of all reform efforts and legislative change. The PIC called for a systematic review of current and proposed labour legislation to incorporate non-discrimination principles, and measures to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the field of employment; encouragement and support for political participation and representation of women at all levels of government, in parliament and in the judicial system.
  13. Civil Society: The PIC supported the development and implementation of a sound legal framework for civil society organisations, including the adoption of a draft Law on Associations and Foundations. The Council further supported the development of the capacity of local human rights NGOs to ensure sustainability of human rights activities now undertaken by international organisations and the effective operation of local human rights NGOs, unimpeded by threats or intimidation by authorities.
  14. War Crimes and Co-operation with ICTY: The PIC called upon all concerned states to cooperate fully with the ICTY and condemned those governments that had failed to execute arrest warrants issued by the ICTY and individuals aiding and abetting indictees.
  15. Police Reform: Following from the Framework Agreement on Police Restructuring, Reform and Democratisation in the RS signed between the RS and UNMiBH on 9 December 1998, the PIC called for increased efforts to build professional and multi-ethnic police forces in BiH in 1999 by, inter alia, the implementation of the Framework Agreement so that a transparent, professionally staffed and structured civilian police force, accountable to the public it serves, is established; the recruitment and deployment of minority police be made a priority; the establishment of a fully-functioning police academy in the FBiH by 31 March 1999; UNIPTF to make robust use of powers to decertify police who violate the Peace Agreement; the improvement of pay standards for law enforcement officials; the end of parallel budgets in some Cantonal police forces; and establishment of the BiH Border Service.

NOTE: The HRCC Human Rights Monthly Report is based on the regular and special reporting of inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations. The aim of the Report is to provide a concise overview of human rights issues, cases and trends affecting the overall human rights situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the reporting period. Questions on specific items should be directed to the reporting organisation or to the HRCC. Please send information for inclusion in the report to 387-71-447-420 to the attention of Michelle Morris or by e-mail to michelle.morris@ohr.int.

Office of the High Representative