At the request of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), High Representative Miroslav Lajčák today extended the mandate of Sven Marius Urke as an international member of the HJPC until 31 December 2009.
Commending the contribution of Mr Urke to the work of the HJPC, the High Representative added that “in the current climate, where individual judges and prosecutors, as well as judicial institutions, subject to political attacks, it is more important than ever that the HJPC can function freely and effectively.”
Up to now the HJPC has included two international members. Reducing to one is a step closer to full domestic ownership of the Council.
HJPC has a vital role in developing a professional and independent judiciary. This is a key requirement in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration process and entrenchment of the Rule of Law is also one of OHR’s transition objectives.