OHR and OSCE warmly welcome the Republika Srpska National Assembly’s decision yesterday to adopt a Law establishing a multi-ethnic Ombudsman Institution in the RS.
The new permanent Ombudsman Institution will investigate violations of human rights and maladministration in the RS, and make recommendations for positive changes.
The Law, which was drafted with the assistance of the Venice Commission and the Council of Europe, conforms to European standards. Its adoption also fulfils one of the criteria for membership of BiH to the Council of Europe.
The first three Ombudsmen will be appointed by the Ombudsperson of BiH, following consultation with RS officials, OHR and OSCE.
OHR and OSCE congratulate the RSNA for the near unanimous support that it gave to the decision to adopt the Law. By doing so, the RSNA has demonstrated its commitment to taking Bosnia and Herzegovina towards Europe.
OHR and OSCE look forward to the RS authorities’ full cooperation in implementing future recommendations issued by the RS Ombudsman Institution.