OHR
BiH Leaders Must Consider Post-Dayton Era
As you know, the High Representative is in the US this week, where he will meet senior US and UN representatives and attend the events surrounding the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Today he will – for the last time in his capacity as High Representative – address the UN Security Council.
He will say that the start of the SAA negotiations mark a decisive break with the past; and he will map out some of the outstanding issues that need to be tackled as BiH moves further towards the EU.
He will say that while the basic institutional framework necessary for the smooth functioning of a state has been established, these institutions must now be strengthened in order for them to become effective. He will say that sustainability and functionality will become the key watchwords as BiH moves further towards EU accession.
The High Representative will point out that the Dayton constitution has reached the end of its usefulness as a framework for the next phase of SAA related reforms. He will say that while the Dayton constitution remains essential for the foundations of peace, BiH political representatives must consider the post Dayton era and find a new constitutional framework to move forward.
This process must start as soon as possible. At issue is improving the functional efficiency of BiH. The High Representative will say that is it clear that the current cost of government is too high, and that the requirements of EU integration will also necessitate change. He will say that the people of BiH are entitled to demand a government that is accountable and efficient, that spends less on government and civil service, and more on services such as health and education.
But he will also emphasise that this is not a job that can be done by the International Community – it can only be done by the BiH institutions.
He will also address the issue of police decertification and urge the Security Council to set up a review of the police certification process conducted by the UN’s International Police Task Force.
He will point out that a review mechanism would consolidate the certification process by overturning or confirming decisions that currently raise questions about the validity of the process as a whole.
OSCE
High Schools students to demonstrate human rights and celebrate diversity
December 10 is International Human Rights Day, the commemoration of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It is an opportunity for each of us to take time to honour the spirit and principles enshrined therein – respect, equality, tolerance and diversity.
To celebrate this day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has launched a BiH-wide essay competition among high school students. The competition entitled will give high school students an opportunity to write about their thoughts on diversity, the freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights principles.
Students must submit their essays the relevant OSCE regional centre by Monday, 28 November. The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has four regional centres located in Banja Luka , Mostar, Tuzla and Sarajevo . Winners will be selected by a panel comprised of Ambassador Douglas Davidson, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Vildana Selimbegovic, editor-in-chief of Dani Magazine, Mirsad Kebo, State Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, and Srdjan Dizdarevic, President of Helsinki Committee of BiH. Winners will be announced in Sarajevo at an awards ceremony to be held in December.
Ambassador Davidson to AddressState Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons in Banja Luka
Ambassador Davidson, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will today address the State Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons at their 9th session in Banja Luka . He is attending this session in order to provide support to the work of the Commission and the need for enhanced cooperation with relevant governmental institutions at all levels.
Taking into account the Commission’s role in making policy related to the return sector, Ambassador Davidson will address the raising need for co-ordination in order to effectively support the sustainability of returns, especially in the field of economic and social rights on issues such as health, pension, employment, education and housing. In this regard, Ambassador Davidson will encourage the Commission to investigate and address systemic problems that prevent or discourage return and to actively follow up the implementation of its conclusions, and lobby with Entity and relevant State level Ministries to ensure that conclusions are taken seriously and acted upon.
In its monitoring/observing role to the Commission, the OSCE Mission remains committed to support the important work of the State Commission and the full implementation of Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
EUFOR
No statement.
RTQs
SRNA:
Question for OHR and EUFOR. Do you have any information on RS Police negotiating in last couple of days with one of PIFWCs on his surrender?
OHR:
I can say from OHR’s point of view that is not a topic on which we would have any kind of comment.
EUFOR:
Absolutely. I am not aware of the situation. I have nothing to add on that at the moment.