Observance of 9 January contravenes the Decisions of the BiH Constitutional Court

The BiH Constitutional Court has underlined that the selection of 9 January as the Day of Republika Srpska does not symbolize collective, shared remembrance in a multi-ethnic society and is discriminatory.

The OHR recalls that the celebration of 9 January represents a clear failure to respect and implement the final and binding decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Non-compliance with Constitutional Court decisions may constitute a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is for the competent law-enforcement authorities to take legally mandated steps, particularly where public officials are involved.

The High Representative stressed that respect for the rule of law, together with dialogue, communication, and compromise, is essential to ensure that any observance of the Day of Republika Srpska can be inclusive and embraced by all citizens, strengthening cohesion rather than deepening division.