The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Council of Europe and the Office of the High Representative welcome the adoption of the state-level Framework Law on Primary and Secondary Education by the House of Peoples and urge the Parliamentary Assembly to take immediate steps to harmonise the versions adopted by the House of Representatives and the House of Peoples.
“Adoption and implementation of this Framework Law will show that BiH is serious about education reform. The law establishes the human rights and education principles that apply to all students across the territory of BiH and is essential in order to put in place a foundation that supports further reform and modernisation efforts”, said Ambassador Henry Zipper de Fabiani, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH.
“It is a welcome fact that this law was drafted by Bosnians and Herzegovinians, but it is just the first step in assuring a quality education for our children” said OHR Senior Deputy High Representative, Amb. Gerhard Enver Schrömbgens.
Dr. Sonja Moser-Starrach, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, congratulated the House of Peoples on their unwavering commitment towards education reform and on the maturity of the Parliamentary process.
“This is an important step taken by BiH towards the fulfilment of Council of Europe commitments in education”, Dr. Moser-Starrach said. “This positive momentum must be maintained in order to ensure that the Parliamentary Assembly takes immediate actions to harmonise the two versions so that the law comes into force by the end of June.”
The state-level Framework Law on Primary and Secondary Education, which was developed with the support of the Council of Europe, will ensure greater mobility for all students across BiH and will facilitate wider recognition of school certificates. It will allow for greater school autonomy and increased parent and teacher involvement and partnerships. It will also put in place a Common Core Curriculum, clearly outlined as a priority in the Education Reform Pledges of BiH, adopted by the Peace Implementation Council in November 2002, and which will make possible full and free access to schools anywhere in BiH.
Entity and Cantonal laws consistent with these principles will follow and are expected to set out greater detail for management and delivery of education. The Council of Europe will provide expertise to assist in the drafting of lower level legislation so that Entity and Cantonal level laws consistent with these principles may be put into place as soon as possible.