Publisher: ADI Asocijacija za demokratske inicijative

Strengthening the Role of Professional Associations in the Field of Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina - JUP BiH

Jačanje uloge profesionalnih udruženja u oblasti pravosuđa u Bosni i Hercegovini - JUP BiH

Author(s): Snježana Ivandić,Aida Vežić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; judiciary; professional associations; civil society; strengthening; ICT; lobbying; lawyers; notaries; jurisdiction; law on minors criminal acts; evaluation;

Pred vama se nalazi publikacija koja je rezultat realizacije projekta Jačanje uloge profesionalnih udruženja u oblasti pravosuđa u Bosni i Hercegovini - JUP BiH. Projekat je podržala Vlada Velike Britanije, a realizovala ga je Asocijacija za demokratske inicijative (ADI) Sarajevo, tokom četrnaest mjeseci. Cilj projekta bio je jačanje profesionalnih udruženja u oblasti pravosuđa (udruženja sudija, tužilaca, advokata, notara i udruženje medijatora), kao organizacija civilnog društva, koje trebaju aktivnije učestvovati u procesima reforme pravosuđa i uključiti se u šire društvene trendove. Organizacija ADI Sarajevo, doprinijela je jačanju kapaciteta profesionalnih udruženja u oblastima pravde i pravosuđa tako što je, u sklopu ovog projekta, organizovala edukativne programe za predstavnike profesionalnih udruženja, ali i zajednički rad predstavnika u radnim grupama. Jedanaest bosanskohercegovačkih profesionalnih udruženja, koje djeluju u oblasti pravosuđa, delegirali su svog predstavnika/cu. Delegirani predstavnici/ce udruženja su činili fokalnu radnu grupu. Članovi/ce fokalne radne grupe pohađali/e su ciklus od četiri tematska treninga i imali/e su četiri radna sastanka na kojima su raspravljali o aktuelnim pitanjima u oblasti pravosuđa, i to radeći u tri tematske radne grupe, koje su se bavile pitanjima vezanim za sadržaj i implementaciju zakona o maloljetničkoj delinkvenciji, zakona o advokatima i notarima, te zakona o stečajnom postupku. Pravac pri realizaciji procesa izgradnje kapaciteta išao je od pojedinačnih članova/ca ka njihovim udruženjima i od profesionalizacije udruženja, kao organizacija civilnog društva, ka njihovoj zagovaračkoj ulozi na nivou praktične politike...

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Access to Justice: Provision of Information, Advice and Free Legal Aid in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Access to Justice: Provision of Information, Advice and Free Legal Aid in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Elma Demir / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; judiciary; access to Justice; provision of Information; advice; free legal aid; rights; information access; welfare system; NGO; civil society;

(English edition) Although Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has made significant progress since the conflict in the mid 1990s, it still faces significant development challenges, such as high unemployment, underdeveloped rural areas, and an under-resourced and inefficient social welfare system. The economy is at 70% of its pre-war level of development, and 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is very high, given that an additional 30% of the population lives slightly above the poverty line. Taking these facts into account, the establishment of an efficient free legal aid system is pall the more important given the social status of BiH citizens and poverty rates in the country. In addition, many citizens remain uninformed about their rights and a large number of unresolved legal disputes instigated by citizens is hindering the efficient functioning of the courts in BiH. Finally, the large majority of citizens of BiH throughout find that the country should have an equally guaranteed right to the minimum free legal aid (90%). Despite these conditions, the current free legal aid system in BiH is unable to provide minimum legal assistance services to all citizens in BiH on an equal basis. As such, it does not fulfill the international and European standards in this regard. The NGO Vaša prava, the largest free legal aid provider in the country, states that the current free legal aid framework “is characterized by the absence of policy planning, many deviations from the Justice Sector Reform Strategy in BiH, as well as fragmentation and different approach in dealing with issues of legal aid. Also, the role of NGOs in the system of free legal aid has been continually minimized, which led to the absolute exclusion of NGOs from the public consultation process.”Public institutions have not been proactive in organising the provision of free legal aid in a systematic matter. Several legal aid services have recently been established in Republika Srpska, Brcko District and several other cantons, but these remain unavailable in many other cantons and in most rural areas. These and other similar issues have been identified as reasons for the adoption of a national legislative framework which would provide basic free legal aid and legal mechanisms for the reform of existing laws that may be a source of discrimination against citizens on the basis of the place where they may live. This report intends to add to the on-going policy debate by providing an analysis of the legal framework and current practice relating to the provision of information and assistance services to citizens and aims to identify several viable policy recommendations. In order to address these issues and policy options, a survey on the provision of information, advice and legal aid services in Bosnia and Herzegovina was organised throughout the period from March to May 2013. The purpose of the survey was to map existing citizens information and assistance services, to identify gaps in services and to develop policy recommendations. The survey was sent to an extensive number of public institutions – including municipalities and providers of free legal aid, as well as non-governmental organizations and trade unions were contacted in order. In total, 65 organizations participated in the survey, out of which 24 were public institutions (free legal aid institutions and municipalities) and 41 are non-governmental organizations.

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Access to Justice in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A collection of Public Policy Analysis in the Field of Justice

Pristup Pravdi u Bosni i Hercegovini. Zbirka analiza javnih politika iz oblasti pravosuđa

Author(s): Azra Šehić,Elma Demir,Ivana Stipanović,Jasmin Jašarević,Maja Sahadžić,Maja Šoštarić,Milena Savić,Rebeka Kotlo / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; judiciary; public policy; access to justice; justice network; victim protection; witness protection; crime against humanity; genocide; civil society; NGO; Supreme court of BiH; ethnic minorities; labour relations; free legal aid; human rights;

Tokom posljednjih godina postignut je značajan napredak u reformi sektora pravde u BiH. Međutim, iako su doneseni značajni reformski zakoni i podzakonski akti, kao i mnogi strateški dokumenti i prateći akcioni planovi, sektor pravde se suočava sa nizom problema, a održivost do sada provedenih reformi je neizvjesna, ukoliko se intenzivnije ne preduzmu aktivnosti da se nadogradi ono što je do sada postignuto, kao i da se uklone slabosti koje su i dalje prisutne unutar cjelokupnog sistema pravde. Uspostava i upravljenje cjelokupnim reformskim procesom nije obaveza samo institucija vlasti. Kroz provođenje istraživanja, pripremu analiza i prikazivanje činjeničnog stanja, organizacije civilnog društva mogu dati značajan doprinos donošenju odluka i politika zasnovanih na potrebama građana, te ostvariti pozitivan uticaj na kvalitet pružanja javnih usluga. Istovremeno, kroz ovakav vid djelovanja, civilno društvo ostvaruje demokratski pritisak na predstavnike institucija vlasti za provođenje obaveza koje su preuzele te podstiču iste na usvajanje onih politika koje vode društvo ka principima koje civilno društvo zagovara. Ovakav pristup dijalogu sa predstavnicima vlasti odabrale su i nevladine organizacije koje djeluju kao članice Mreže pravde u Bosni i Hercegovini. Kroz udruženo djelovanje, članice Mreže, zagovaraju izgradnju društva zasnovanog na vladavini zakona i zaštiti ljudskih prava. Zalaganje za ove vrijednosti i interese građana u sektoru pravde, članice Mreže provode na osnovu snage sopstvenih argumenata: provođenju istraživanja i pisanja analiza. Upravo u tu svrhu, objavljena je publikacija Pristup pravdi u Bosni i Hercegovini koja okuplja nekoliko analiza koje se bave problematikom pristupa pravdi u oblasti pravosuđa s različitih aspekata. Okvirna tema je odabrana s obzirom da nivo ostvarenja pristupa pravdi jedne zemlje ukazuje na nivo poštivanja osnovnih prava i sloboda njenih građana, te da je pristup pravdi u Bosni i Hercegovini, prema mišljenju stručnjaka ali i predstavnika pravosuđa, uveliko ograničen. Sve ugrožene socijalne kategorije, kao što su nezaposleni, žene, osobe sa posebnim potrebama, izbjeglice i raseljena lica, Romi, kao i druge nacionalne manjine, su suočeni sa nizom problema zaštite svojih osnovnih prava. Činjenica da se polovina stanovništva BiH nalazi u stanju socijalne isključenosti ukazuje na obim problema o kojem je riječ. Uzroci lošeg pristupa pravdi su višestruki: kompleksnost pravosudnog i političkog sistema; nedostatak harmonizacije sudske prakse; komplikovane i dugotrajne procedure; nedostatak informacija; skupi sudski postupci; nepoznavanje prava i pravnih mehanizama njihove zaštite; korupcija, itd. Baveći se ovim problemima autori analiza koje objedinjuje publikacija Pristup pravdi u Bosni i Hercegovini nastoje dati uvid u određene reformske aktivnosti u sektoru pravde, razmatraju različite opcije i daju preporuke s prijedlogom rješenja na datu problematiku, s ciljem da podstaknu pozitivne promjene u oblasti pravosuđa i upozna javnost sa istim. Prema tome, nadamo se da će ova publikacija biti koristan izvor informacija predstavnicima pravosuđa kao uvid u određenu problematiku iz perspektive civilnog društva, te da će inicirati i razvoj interesovanja kod organizacija civilnog društva za djelovanje u oblasti pravosuđa. Koristimo ovu priliku da se zahvalimo svima koji su bili uključeni u realizaciju pripreme analiza i izradu publikacije. Posebno se zahvaljujemo Američkoj agenciji za međunarodni razvoj (USAID) koja kroz Projekat razvoja sektora pravosuđa II pruža tehničku podršku Mreži pravde u BiH i njenim članicama.

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HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUDICIARY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (2012-2013) - A Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations for Justice Sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council

LJUDSKA PRAVA I PRAVOSUĐE U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI (2012-2013) - Izvještaj o provedbi preporuka u sektoru pravosuđa u BiH iz Univerzalnog periodičnog pregleda Vijeća za ljudska prava Ujedinjenih nacija

Author(s): Adrijana Hanušić,Amra Mehmedić,Elma Demir,Midhat Izmirlija,Nedim Čosić,Nedim Jahić,Nina Šeremet,Sanela Rondić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; human rights; judiciary; justice; discrimination; Srebrenica; Prijedor; free legal aid; domestic violence; judiciary financing; memorials; freedom of speech; judiciary independence; transitional justice; corruption; international standards;

Od svog nastanka, 1948. godine, sa nastankom Univerzalne deklaracije o ljudskim pravima, međunarodni režim za ljudska prava zasnivao se na tradicionalnim mehanizmima zaštite prava razvijenih od strane Ujedinjenih nacija (UN), koje su dale značajnu ulogu državama. Naime, države su primarni akteri u međunarodnim procesima provedbe, ali i monitoringa ljudskih prava, odnosno države i istovremeno garantuju prava, ali i vode proces samo-monitoringa i izvještavanja. U nedostatku kapaciteta UN tijela da direktno prate stanje ljudskih prava u svim zemljama članicama, onda kada zemlje članice propuste biti dovoljno samokritične, pokazalo se da važnu ulogu igraju nevladine organizacije, čija je jedna od osnovnih uloga monitoring i izvještavanje o zaštiti ljudskih prava i zagovaranje njihove bolje zaštite kod domaćih institucija vlasti i međunarodnih organizacija. Efikasna zaštita ljudskih prava zahtijeva snažan angažman civilnog sektora i na državnom, ali i na međunarodnom nivou, jer su organizacije civilnog društva jedini subjekti koji kontinuirano prate stanje na terenu, te rade na podizanju svijesti o postojećim pravima i pozivaju donosioce odluka na odgovornost u slučaju njihovog kršenja. U tom pogledu revidiran je i proces praćenja i izvještavanja o stanju ljudskih prava od strane Ujedinjenih nacija (UN) i od 2008. godine uspostavljen je novi instrument: Univerzalni periodični pregled (UPP) od strane Generalne skupštine UN-a rezolucijom 60/251 2006. godine, koja UPP definiše kao novi međunarodni instrument u borbi za ljudska prava kojeg UN Vijeće za ljudska prava primjenjuje u procesu praćenja stanja ljudskih prava u državama članicama UN-a. Svake četiri godine, svih 192 države članice UN-a, predstavljaju predmet UPP pregleda kroz koji se na univerzalan i jednoobrazan način vrši procjena ispunjavanja međunarodnih obaveza i opredjeljenja u pogledu ljudskih prava u cilju stvaranja demokratskog pritiska na vlade država da unaprijede situaciju u svojoj državi u pogledu ljudskih prava, te da se bore protiv neravnopravnosti i svih oblika diskriminacije. UPP se provodi kroz proces interaktivnog dijaloga kroz koji zemlja, čije se stanje ljudskih prava prati, prezentira svoj izvještaj, odgovara na pitanja i dobiva preporuke od drugih zemalja. Potom se neformalno usvaja izvještaj koji uključuje sve preporuke date zemlji u pregledu, a koji se ponovo zvanično usvaja na sljedećoj redovnoj sjednici Vijeća za ljudska prava. Oko 16 zemalja UN-a jesu predmet pregleda u okviru svake sjednice Vijeća, a 48 ih je predmet pregleda svake godine. Pored država, UPP pruža i mogućnost uključivanja nevladinih organizacija u ovaj proces. Naime, aktivnosti prije i nakon pregleda izvještaja ključne su za implementaciju konkretnih preporuka iz ishodnog dokumenta i tokom ovog perioda nevladine organizacije mogu ostvariti značajan uticaj kroz aktivnosti monitoringa, analize i zagovaranja. Neki od instrumenata učešća nevladinih organizacija u UPP procesu su: angažman u konsultacijama s vladom svoje države; podnošenje izvještaja interesnih grupa prema Vijeću za ljudska prava; lobiranje drugih država za davanje određenih preporuka; prisustvovanje sjednicama UPP radne grupe, kao i prisustvovanje i učestvovanje u sjednicama Vijeća za ljudska prava; te popratne aktivnosti vezane za zagovaranje za implementaciju preporuka. Prepoznavajući važnost novo-uspostavljenog mehanizma za praćenje ljudskih prava, ali i ulogu, koju su u istom dobile nevladine organizacije, Mreža pravde u BiH prihvatila je UPP kao instrument u svom radu, već u aprilu 2010. godine. Nakon konsultacija između članica, Mreža pravde se uključila u UPP proces kroz izradu UPP preporuka za BiH, koje su predstavljene od strane tročlane delegacije Mreže pravde na 14. sjednici UN Vijeća za ljudska prava, 11. juna 2010. godine u Ženevi. Pored pripreme preporuka i njihovog predstavljanja u Ženevi, u organizaciji Mreže pravde, održana je i obuka o ovom mehanizmu za predstavnike civilnog društva i sektora pravde. Također, za istu ciljanu grupu održana su dva okrugla stola u Sarajevu i Banja Luci na kojima su definisani zaključci koji naglašavaju potrebu za efikasniju primjenu UPP preporuka u pravosuđu BiH. Polazeći od ovih zaključaka, tokom strateškog planiranja Mreže pravde u 2010. godini, dogovoreno je da monitoring i izvještavanje o stanju ljudskih prava kod domaćih i međunarodnih institucija predstavlja primarni oblik djelovanja Mreže. Time je Mreža pravde - koja okuplja 64 nevladine organizacije, a čiji je osnovni cilj da pruža podršku institucijama vlasti u jačanju efikasnosti, neovisnosti i odgovornosti pravosudnog sistema Bosne i Hercegovine, kao i kvalitetnog informisanja, obrazovanja i zastupanja interesa građanki i građana u sektoru pravde - identificirala monitoring i izvještavanje o ljudskim pravima kao osnovni mehanizam pomoću kojeg nastoji realizirati svoje ciljeve. Razvoj pravosudnog sistema u BiH koji efikasno štiti ljudska prava i promiče vladavinu prava, nije moguć bez detaljne i stalne procjene rada sistema koja prati usklađenost domaćeg zakonodavstva i međunarodnih standarda. Sa ovim ciljem osnovana je i Radna grupa za izradu izvještaja „Univerzalni periodični pregled (UPP) o stanju ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini“ Mreže pravde, koja već od 2010. godine provodi proces monitoringa institucija sektora pravde na osnovu procjene provedbe UPP preporuka na koje se obavezala Bosna i Hercegovina u oblasti pravosuđa. Po treći put predstavnici nekoliko nevladinih organizacija – i to Asocijacije za demokratske inicijative, Centra za ljudska prava Univerziteta u Sarajevu, Inicijative mladih za ljudska prava BiH, organizacije TRIAL, Udruženja tužilaca FBiH, Udruženja stručnih saradnika i savjetnika u sudovima i tužilaštvima u BiH, i Udruženje sudija BiH - zajednički su radili na monitoringu provedbe preporuka UN Vijeća za ljudska prava u pravosuđu BiH u sektoru pravosuđa u periodu od 2012. do 2013. godine. Kao rezultat ovog monitoring rada objavljuje se već po treći put publikacija Ljudska prava i pravosuđe u Bosni i Hercegovini: Izvještaj o provedbi preporuka u sektoru pravosuđa u BiH iz Univerzalnog periodičnog pregleda Vijeća za ljudska prava Ujedinjenih nacija (2011. – 2012.). Izvještaj Ljudska prava i pravosuđe u Bosni i Hercegovini predstavlja nastavak već započetnog rada na primjeni UPP mehanizma i istovremeno predstavlja jedinstvenu publikaciju ove vrste. Cilj objavljivanja navedene publikacije jeste uvid u proces provedbe dobivenih preporuka UN Vijeća za ljudska prava, odnosno od strane njenih država članica, a nastalih kroz proces Univerzalnog periodičnog pregleda (UPP). Monitoring procesa provedbe UPP preporuka od strane članica Mreže pravde, fokusira se na pravosudni sistem, odnosno uključuje samo one preporuke koje su identifikovane kao krucijalne za unaprjeđenje sektora pravosuđa u BiH. Pored općeg pregleda zaštite ljudskih prava kroz pravosuđe, autori su identifikovali i preporuke za donosioce odluka s ciljem da podstaknu institucije vlasti na efikasniju i ažurniju primjenu UPP preporuka u sektoru pravde i kako bi ispoštovale obaveze koje je preuzela Bosna i Hercegovina prema međunarodnoj zajednici, ali i prema svojim građanima. Nadamo se da će Izvještaj biti koristan izvor informacija, ne samo predstavnicima pravosuđa, nego i nevladinom sektoru, te da će inicirati i razvoj interesovanja za konkretne akcije kod organizacija civilnog društva za djelovanje u oblasti pravosuđa. Mreža pravde će svakako nastaviti i u budućnosti sa aktivnostima monitoringa zaštite ljudskih prava u sektoru pravde, te će nastojati razviti i daljnje aktivnosti kada je u pitanju izvještavanje u okviru Univerzalnog periodičnog pregleda (UPP) prema domaćim institucijama vlasti ali, i međunarodnim organizacijama. Uzevši kao osnovu rezultate monitoringa o stanju ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini navedenih u Izvještaju, Mreža pravde će vršiti i zagovaračke aktivnosti, te će ohrabrivati aktivnosti koje omogućavaju jači uticaj građanki i građana kroz organizacije civilnog društva na proces donošenja novih odluka i implementaciju postojećih propisa u oblasti pravde. Na ovaj način, Mreža pravde će dati svoj doprinos u poticanju aktivnog odnosa svojih članica i civilnog društva u cjelini ka razvoju nezavisnog, efikasnog, odgovornog i zakonitog djelovanja pravosuđa u BiH. Koristimo ovu priliku da se zahvalimo svima koji su bili uključeni u realizaciju pripreme analiza i izradu publikacije. Posebno se zahvaljujemo Američkoj agenciji za međunarodni razvoj (USAID), koja kroz Projekat razvoja sektora pravosuđa II pruža tehničku podršku Mreži pravde u BiH i njenim članicama.

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ACCESS TO JUSTICE: PROVISION OF INFORMATION, ADVICE AND FREE LEGAL AID IN BOSNIA AND HEREZGOVINA

ACCESS TO JUSTICE: PROVISION OF INFORMATION, ADVICE AND FREE LEGAL AID IN BOSNIA AND HEREZGOVINA

Author(s): Snježana Ninković,Božana Puljić,Ada Hamidović / Language(s): English

Keywords: BIH; judiciary; justice; access to justice; legal framework; provision of information; free legal aid; civil society; public advocacy capacities; civil procedure codes;

(English edition) The right to free legal aid is a fundamental human right and a precondition for the enjoyment of other human rights such as the right to a fair trial and the right to an effective remedy. The right to a fair trial is guaranteed by numerous international instruments on human rights, which were signed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. Access to justice is guaranteed by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and represents an essential element of a functioning rule of law system. At the same time effective legal protection is not possible without providing legal assistance which is ensured by experts. The goal of free legal aid is to remove obstacles to access to justice; this is done by providing assistance to those who otherwise would not be able to bear the costs of legal representation and legal protection. This right contributes to the strengthening of public confidence in the equal access to justice both in front domestic and international tribunals. Since in Bosnia and Herzegovina there are 600.000 people living below the poverty line, the fact is that many of them cannot achieve free access to courts and pay lawyers; as such they are not able to properly and effectively protect their rights. Thus far, the reform processes that aimed at establishing a sustainable and comprehensive system of legal aid were unsuccessful. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is no law on free legal aid that established the minimum rights of citizens in regards to legal aid. However the laws on free legal aid were separately adopted in the Republika Srpska, Brčko District, and in eight of the ten cantons in the Federation. In the new Strategy for Justice Sector Reform in BiH for the period 2014–2018 it is stated that it is necessary to provide “the continuation of strategic action to establish the legal and institutional framework of free legal aid throughout the territory of BiH and harmonize the laws ensures the minimum standards for all and guarantees equality before the law.” Association for Democratic Initiatives in 2013 carried out an analysis of the nature and availability of free legal aid, information and consultation which has been used for the production of the first report entitled Access to Justice: Providing information, advice and free legal assistance in BiH. A second analysis was performed based on the findings of the first report. The survey had 53 nongovernmental organizations that provide free legal aid and 21 institutions in the period September – December 2015. Moreover, it included the analysis of existing legislation and legal practices in BiH and the existing capacity of providers of free legal aid. The goal of this analysis is to detect and analyze the obstacles faced by citizens who try to exercise their rights in courts and government bodies, and gain a deeper insight into the experience with free legal aid as a mechanism that is available to those citizens who are faced with financial barriers or discrimination in the exercise of their rights. The analysis gave an overview of the existing problems in this field and the ways of overcoming them. The key conclusion is the need for the soonest adoption of the Law on Free Legal Assistance at the state level as a precondition for the establishment of a harmonized free legal aid system which would fully reflect the international and European standards and practices at all levels of government.

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Regional Human Rights Report 2007

Regional Human Rights Report 2007

Author(s): / Language(s): English

Keywords: human rights; Albania; BiH; Bulgaria; Macedonia, Montenegro; Serbia; 2007; discrimination; law; policy;

This is the third successive year in which the Balkan Human Rights Network (BHRN) prepared and published a unified report on the state of human rights in the region. All texts in this publication were prepared by authors who in each of the respective societies in the region have been consistently and persistently observing and analysing the state of human rights. They are esteemed theoreticians and activists in the field of human rights. It seems that this year the preparation and publishing of the report unfolded more smoothly and more efficiently. Among others, this is no doubt attributable also to the experience gained in previous similar activities. However, whether or not the state of human rights in countries covered by this report has also improved, and did their protection become more efficient, is for the readers to decide. We present you here just a short survey of themes contained in the presented national reports, with no intention to offer "binding instructions". Albania. - The report on the state of human rights in Albania is starting with a common judgment that, generally speaking, the government is respecting the human rights of its citizens. Nevertheless, it is noted that many institutions within the public administration are not sufficiently aware of their obligations regarding respect and protection of human rights. The authors claim that corruption, poverty, non-transparent procedures and an insufficiently developed independence of the judiciary represent major challenges facing the Albanian society. It is stressed that there is still a significant number of complaints regarding the conduct of the police, although there is certain progress in the field of procedural and substantive guaranties for a ban on abuse. Widespread child labour and exploitation of children are yet another problem noted in 2007. There was progress regarding protection of the right to education, but there are still relatively frequent examples in which this right was breached, particularly in cases of discrimination. The authors also conclude that for the time being the ombudsman remains the only institution directly assigned to promote and enhance the state of human rights. Bosnia and Herzegovina. - Authors of the report on the state of human rights in Bosnia-Herzegovina are stressing in this edition, too, the specific features of this state's constitutional arrangements and their influence upon the realization and violation of certain guaranteed rights and freedoms. The report is specifically pointing at the fact that, despite being very frequently an issue in all political and legal discussions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the realization of the right to education and equal treatment within it has not yet produced adequate legal and substantive results. As regards access to law and justice, the report presents a survey of legal provisions and the real scope of the work of institutions dealing with the protection of human rights: the institution of the ombudsman and constitutional courts. Finally, the report paid special attention to the legal and physical situation of the discriminated and endangered groups, particularly disabled persons. Analyzed are the most important aspects of the situation related to members of this population regarding the realization of the right to work, the right to education, the right to adequate health care, social security and access to objects. Bulgaria. - The Bulgarian report starts from the fact that the year under review is also the first year of this country's full membership in the European Union. Mentioned are the basic challenges, which are important both for satisfying EU's standards and for adequate and efficient guarantees related to the respect of human rights. Among these issues particularly important are those related to suppression of corruption and of organized crime, the independence of the judiciary and the efficiency of state administration. The authors of the report hold the view that certain positive developments were achieved regarding demands for respect of provisions on equal pay for equal work, the realization of the right to go on strike in certain state institutions and sectors, and the increase of civil activism regarding environmental protection - the Ombudsman and the Commission for Protection from Discrimination. Macedonia. - According to the authors of the Macedonian report, the authorities in this state are generally respecting human rights, and the most important problems are the misuse of police competences, widespread corruption, trafficking in human beings and discrimination of ethnic minorities. In the last year Macedonia has made progress in fulfilling (political) the necessary criteria for associating with the European Union, and has entered a period of consolidation of institutions in the transition process. In 2007 there was a negligible decrease in complaints regarding violation of civil and political rights, particularly those allegedly performed by the police. On the other hand, the number of complaints regarding violation of the right to education is somewhat bigger than before, and mainly related to violation of certain rights in higher education. The report gives a detailed survey of the functioning of institutions which protect human rights, and presents the situation regarding the right to work of members of marginalized groups. Montenegro. - For the context in which human rights are implemented in Montenegro of substantial importance is the fact that during 2007 this state acquired full membership in the Council of Europe, and that in the same year the state signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement, and also got a new Constitution which implies full capacity of institutions of an independent state. However, the authors point out that the negative consequences of previous armed conflicts, and of the policies and legal instabilities which for many years were present in Montenegro, can still be felt and were not fully removed. Reminding of conclusions of institutions which follow the reform processes in Montenegro, it is stressed that major concerns are caused by a lack of genuine and efficient reform of the judiciary, by the fact that there are no efficient mechanisms for suppressing discrimination (particularly of Romas and displaced persons) and no punishment of torture, by inadequate protection of the right of access to information of public importance and by failures related to guarantees and the realization of the right of children. Serbia. - The state of human rights in Serbia were strongly influenced and frequently overshadowed by the turbulent political events. The National Assembly was inactive from October 2006 until mid-May 2007 which led to delays in the adoption of laws - the Assembly adopted only 70 or so laws by the end of 2007. Only about 20 of them were totally new and nearly all of them were merely fulfilling the formal obligations laid down in the Constitutional Act on the Implementation of the Constitution. The main problems hindering the effective enjoyment of this right lie in the absence of oversight over the implementation of the Act and in mere misdemeanour penalties for its violation. Tolerance of discrimination in practice is above all reflected in inefficient investigation, prosecution and punishment of its perpatrators and in the lack of systematic and comprehensive legislation.

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Joint Report of the Justice Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2nd Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Izvještaj Mreže pravde u Bosni i Hercegovini za 2. Univerzalni periodični pregled o stanju ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; human rights; access to justice; discrimination; constitutional reform; minorities; protection; independence of judiciary; freedom of religion, expression and speech; ombudsman; corruption;

(B/H/S edition) The Justice Network in BiH is an informal network of 64 non-governmental organizations established in January 2010 to support development of efficient, independent, and accountable judiciary, in order to instigate more efficient protection of human rights and establishment the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). To this end, the Network launched monitoring of the implementation of UPR recommendations in BiH in the same year. During the last 4 years, i.e. in period from January 2010 to March 2014, based on the monitoring, evaluation and research activities conducted by the members of the Network gathered around the Working Group for monitoring the implementation of UPR recommendations, we have published 4 annual reports on implementation of UPR recommendations pertaining to the justice sector. The reports were submitted to an extensive number of the justice sector stakeholders and the international community. The process of monitoring and evaluation was based on the methodology which included the identification of measurable indicators for each UPR recommendation, data collection and processing in a period of 6 to 8 months, and drafting the report and additional recommendations for the local decision-makers to ensure that UPR recommendations are adequately and timely implemented. This summary, which was the subject of extensive consultations within and outside the Network, was prepared on the basis of the aforementioned reports.

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Joint Report of the Justice Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2nd Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Joint Report of the Justice Network in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2nd Universal Periodic Review on Human Rights Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Author Not Specified / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; human rights; access to justice; discrimination; constitutional reform; minorities; protection; independence of judiciary; freedom of religion, expression and speech; ombudsman; corruption;

(English edition) The Justice Network in BiH is an informal network of 64 non-governmental organizations established in January 2010 to support development of efficient, independent, and accountable judiciary, in order to instigate more efficient protection of human rights and establishment the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). To this end, the Network launched monitoring of the implementation of UPR recommendations in BiH in the same year. During the last 4 years, i.e. in period from January 2010 to March 2014, based on the monitoring, evaluation and research activities conducted by the members of the Network gathered around the Working Group for monitoring the implementation of UPR recommendations, we have published 4 annual reports on implementation of UPR recommendations pertaining to the justice sector. The reports were submitted to an extensive number of the justice sector stakeholders and the international community. The process of monitoring and evaluation was based on the methodology which included the identification of measurable indicators for each UPR recommendation, data collection and processing in a period of 6 to 8 months, and drafting the report and additional recommendations for the local decision-makers to ensure that UPR recommendations are adequately and timely implemented. This summary, which was the subject of extensive consultations within and outside the Network, was prepared on the basis of the aforementioned reports.

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Financial investigations as a tool in the fight against organized crime, corruption and money laundering - a comparative analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia

Finansijske istrage kao sredstvo u borbi protiv organizovanog kriminala, korupcije i pranja novca – komparativna analiza Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore i Srbije

Author(s): Nemanja Nenadić,Jelena Đurišić,Denis Pajić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: financial investigations; BiH; Montenegro; Serbia; corruption; money laundering; organized crime;

Kada je riječ o organizovanom kriminalitetu u teoriji se ističe da je kriminalitet forma koja se najbrže transformiše te stoga i predstavlja poseban izazov svim modernim društvima i institucijama u borbi protiv njega. Kao jedno od najefikasnijih sredstava u borbi protiv organizovanog kriminaliteta svakako je finansijska istraga. Kvalitetno sprovedene finansijske istrage koje rezultiraju trajnim oduzimanjem imovinske koristi ostvarene kriminalnom djelatnošću danas u svijetu predstavljaju jedno od najefikasnijih sredstava u borbi protiv organizovanog kriminaliteta te u tom pravcu svakako mora biti i orijentisan rad svih nadležnih državnih organa. Ali te istrage se najčešće ne mogu vršiti bez uzajamne pomoći i saradnje institucija više država, jer kriminal ne poznaje granice. Svjesni te činjenice, Centar za monitoring i istraživanje CeMI u saradnji sa partnerima: Asocijacijom za demokratske inicijative iz Sarajeva i Transparentnost Srbija iz Srbije, je realizovao projekat pod nazivom “Jačanje kapaciteta istrage i krivičnog gonjenja u zemljama Zapadnog Balkana - finansijske istrage kao sredstvo za borbu protiv organizovanog kriminaliteta i korupcije”. Opšti cilj projekta podrazumijeva doprinos poboljšanju efikasnosti pravosudnih i izvršnih organa u zemljama Zapadnog Balkana sa posebnim osvrtom na finansijske istrage kao jedan od novijih i svakako najznačajnijih institute krivičnog prava u Crnoj Gori, Bosni i Hercegovini i Srbiji. Jedna od projektnih aktivnosti bila je izrada studija za sve tri pomenute države. Za potrebe projekta, bili su angažovani eksperti iz ovih oblasti koji su svojim znanjem i trudom dali nemjerljiv doprinos u oblikovanju ovih studija koje predstavljaju vrijedno djelo za sve institucije koje se bave ovom tematikom. Studije sadrže analizu pravnih okvira, primjene i rezultata postignutih na poslju realizacije borbe protiv organizovanog kriminala i korupcije kroz sprovođenje finansijskih istraga. Posebno vrijednim cijenimo zaključke i preporuke kojima su autori željeli da daju predloge za poboljšanje postojećeg stanja. Sve tri studije predstavljaju vrijednu cjelinu koju je moguće posmatrati pojedinačno ali i u cjelini, kako zbog uporedne analize tako i zbog razmjene iskustava. Kada je riječ o Crnoj Gori, oduzimanje imovinske koristi za koju u postupku nije dokazana zakonitost njenog porijekla predstavlja posebnu mjeru u krivičnom zakonodavstva (Glava sedma Krivičnog zakonika Crne Gore, Oduzimanje imovinske koristi) koja po svojoj prirodi nije krivična sankcija već mjera sui generis karaktera shodno kojoj niko ne može zadržati imovinsku korist ostvarenu protivpravnim djelom koje je u zakonu određeno kao krivično djelo. Dakle, riječ je o specifičnoj krivičnopravnoj mjeri koja istovremeno sadrži i imovinskopravne karakteristike, a shodno kojoj, kao što je prethodno navedeno, niko ne može zadržati imovinsku korist pribavljenu protivpravnim djelom koje je u zakonu određeno kao krivično djelo (član 112 KZ). U vezi sa tim, zakonom su definisani način i uslovi oduzimanja koristi ostvarene izvršenjem protivpravnog djela koje je u zakonu određeno kao krivično djelo. Sam pojam imovinske koristi stečene kriminalnom djelatnošću u Crnoj Gori je definisan Zakonom o oduzimanju imovinske koristi stečene kriminalnom djelatnošću iz 2015. godine kao svako povećanje ili sprječavanje umanjenja imovine proistekle iz kriminalne djelatnosti, kao i prihod ili druga korist ostvarena neposredno ili posredno iz kriminalne djelatnosti, kao i imovinsko dobro u koje je ona pretvorena ili sa kojim je sjedinjena te u tom smislu imovina podrazumijeva imovinska prava bilo koje vrste, nezavisno od toga da li se odnose na dobra materijalne ili nematerijalne prirode, pokretne ili nepokretne stvari, hartije od vrijednosti i druge isprave kojima se dokazuju imovinska prava. Finansijska istraga u Crnoj Gori pokreće se naredbom državnog tužioca ali za efikasno sprovođenje je neophodna angažovanost i svih drugih institucija, prije svega policije i sudstva. Studija o finansijskim istragama u Crnoj Gori sadrži vrijedne podatke o rezultatima nadležnih institucija (broj predmeta, vrijednost oduzete imovine, broj pravosnažnih presuda...), kao i preporuke što bi trebalo učiniti da borba protiv ovog oblika organizovanog kriminala bude još efikasnija. Analiza stanja u Bosni i Hercegovini u vezi sprovođenja finansijskih istraga za krivična djela organizovanog kriminala, korupcije i pranja novca ima za cilj da čitaocima približi pojam finansijske istrage kao pravnog instituta novijeg datuma u ovoj državi, njenu prirodu i osnovne karakteristike, kao i metode koje se koriste u njenom sprovođenju. Pored toga, sadržaj ove studije nudi kratki pregled institucionalnog, pravnog, i strateškog okvira za sprovođenje finansijskih istraga u Bosni i Hercegovini, te pregled najvažnijih međunarodnih dokumenta koji za predmet imaju oduzimanje imovinske koristi stečene krivičnim djelom kao i međunarodnih institucija koje za cilj imaju efikasan odgovor na sveprisutne probleme u borbi protiv organizovanog kriminala, korupcije i pranja novca. Najvažniji dio Analize odnosi se na praktične aspekte postupanja tužilaca, ovlašćenih službenih lica, sudija i drugih subjekata u Bosne i Hercegovine u vezi s sprovođenjem finansijskih istraga i oduzimanja imovinske koristi stečene krivičnim djelom. Ovu studiju posebno smatramo značajnom i zbog samog ustavnog poretka Bosne i Hercegovine gdje mnoge institucije učestvuju u finansijskim istragama što zapravo nekada može da stvori i konfuziju po pitanju nadležnosti. S tim u vezi, bilo je potrebno ukazati na te razlike i moguće posljedice takvog raznolikog normativnog uređenja, kao prepreke stvaranju usaglašenog i sigurnog pravnog prostora na teritoriji Bosne i Hercegovine. Kada je riječ o Srbiji, Evropska unija je konstatovala da u Srbiji ne postoji sistem koji omogućava statističko praćenje krivičnog postupka, da nema napretka po pitanju preventivnog zamrzavanja imovine u ranoj fazi istrage, kao i da treba unaprijediti kapacitet za sprovođenje složenih finansijskih istraga zajedno sa krivičnim istragama. Osim toga, Evropska komisija je u aprilskom izvještaju za 2018. godinu ocijenila da je broj presuda za organizovani kriminal i dalje nizak. Studija o finansijskim istragama u Srbiji je zasnovana na raspoloživim dokumentima, čiji sadržaj je predstavljen uz komentare autora. Riječ je o strateškim dokumentima i zakonima Republike Srbije, izvještajima Evropske komisije i državnih organa Srbije, kao i o nekoliko drugih izvora koji su poslužili kao dodatni izvor informacija. Projekat se realizuje uz podršku Ambasade Kraljevine Holandije u Beogradu. Centar za monitoring i istraživanje CeMi zajedno sa svojim partnerima Transparentnost Srbija i Asocijacija za demokratske inicijative iz Sarajeva želi da se zahvali Ambasadi Kraljevine Holandije bez čijeg razumijevanja i pomoći ne bi bilo moguće realizovati sve ove ove vrijedne aktivnosti. Izraze zahvalnosti želimo da uputimo i autorima studija, kao i predstavnicima sudske i izvršne vlasti država Crne Gore, Srbije i Bosne i Hercegovine, kao i svim drugim učesnicima brojnih aktivnosti (konferencija, seminara, nacionalnih i bilateralnih sastanaka, studijske posjete) tokom misije širenja znanja i sprovođenja efikasnijih oblika finansijskih istraga u Bosni i Hercegovini, Srbiji i Crnoj Gori.

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Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; Self-Representation; guide; FBiH; enterprises;

(First edition) This Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Guide) is produced under the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Commercial Justice Technical Assistance Project (Project) implemented by the World Bank and funded with UK aid from the UK Government. The objective of the Project is to support justice institutions in implementing reforms that improve efficiency and access to commercial justice in BiH, building on the recommendations of the UK funded 2016 Feasibility Study on Improving Commercial Case Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). The Project is part of a broader World Bank initiative to raise awareness of reform opportunities and inform policy dialogue on the efficiency, quality, and access to justice across countries in the Western Balkans, with a view to improve the performance of justice systems in these countries. The Project comprises five components, as follows: (1) strengthening commercial departments and commercial courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Republika Srpska (RS), respectively, through analysis of caseloads and workloads, and providing recommendations to re-engineer processes, reduce backlog and strengthen court management; (2) fast-tracking small claims, based on results of comparative legal analysis of civil procedure in BiH and in several countries of the European Union; (3) increasing access to justice for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through developing guides to increase legal literacy among firms; (4) capacity building through developing and implementing peer-led counseling and supplementary training for commercial judges; and (5) implementing procedural reforms to close loopholes and reduce bottlenecks in case processing through proposals for legislative amendments. This Guide is delivered under Project Component 3 - Increasing Access to Justice for MSMEs. Its purpose is to help the MSMEs in the FBiH to better understand court processes and gain basic knowledge necessary for self-representation at courts. The Guide provides answers to questions the MSMEs might have before deciding whether to litigate. The Guide is designed for MSMEs in the FBiH which do not possess formal knowledge in this area. A Guide of identical scope, structure and contents has been produced for MSMEs in the RS, reflecting specific features of the RS legal system and relevant regulation. The contents of the Guide and the topics addressed were defined based on broad consultations with representatives of business and legal community and the needs of the larger target audience. The Guide does not address all topics that might be of interest to some MSMEs, such as international litigations, labour disputes or administrative cases. These will be reconsidered during the process of revision of the Guide which will take place in 2020. The Guide uses a simple legal language and is written in a colloquial style, addressing directly a businessperson that considers using of court services. The first three chapters of the Guide introduce the notion of self-representation at courts and provide overview of the litigation procedure and organisation of the court system in the FBiH. Chapters IV-VII explain the rules of litigation step-by-step, providing guidelines for filing and responding to a lawsuit, preparing and participating at court hearings and filing an appeal. Chapters IX and X provide overview of special procedures that are important for businesses, such as liquidation and the bankruptcy procedure. Chapter XI explains the enforcement procedure, since implementation of judicial decisions is critical part of the judicial procedure. Finally, Chapter XII gives information on alternative dispute resolution methods, including characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of mediation and arbitration. Basic terms of litigation procedure are provided in the last chapter. Annex 1 provides information on ranges of court fees in each canton and links to the laws on court fees and calculators of court fees and costs of proceedings. Annex 2 provides contact details of courts as well as organizations or institutions that can provide additional referrals.

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Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Republika Srpska

Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Republika Srpska

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; Self-Representation; guide; enterprises; Republika Srpska;

(First edition) This Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Republika Srpska (the Guide) is produced under the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Commercial Justice Technical Assistance Project (Project) implemented by the World Bank and funded with UK aid from the UK Government. The objective of the Project is to support justice institutions in implementing reforms that improve efficiency and access to commercial justice in BiH, building on the recommendations of the UK-funded 2016 Feasibility Study on Improving Commercial Case Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). The Project is part of a broader World Bank initiative to raise awareness of reform opportunities and inform policy dialogue on the efficiency, quality, and access to justice across countries in the Western Balkans, with a view to improve the performance of justice systems in these countries. The Project comprises five components: (1) strengthening commercial departments and commercial courts in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS), respectively, through analysis of caseloads and workloads, and providing recommendations to re-engineer processes, reduce backlog and strengthen court management; (2) fast-tracking small claims, based on results of comparative legal analysis of civil procedure in BiH and in several countries of the European Union; (3) increasing access to justice for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through developing guides to increase legal literacy among firms; (4) capacity building through developing and implementing peer-led counseling and supplementary training for commercial judges; and (5) implementing procedural reforms to close loopholes and reduce bottlenecks in case processing through proposals for legislative amendments. This Guide is delivered under Project Component 3 - Increasing Access to Justice for MSMEs. Its purpose is to help the MSMEs in the RS to better understand court processes and gain basic knowledge necessary for self-representation at courts. The Guide provides answers to questions that the MSMEs might have before deciding whether to litigate. The Guide is designed for MSMEs in the RS which do not possess formal knowledge in this area. A Guide of identical scope, structure and contents has been produced for MSMEs in the FBiH, reflecting specific features of the FBiH legal system and relevant regulation. The contents of the Guide and the topics addressed were defined based on broad consultations with representatives of business and legal community and the needs of the larger target audience. The Guide does not address all topics that might be of interest to some MSMEs, such as international litigations, labour disputes or administrative cases. These will be reconsidered during the process of revision of the Guide which will take place in 2020. The Guide uses a simple legal language and is written in a colloquial style, addressing directly a business person that considers using of court services. The first three chapters of the Guide introduce the notion of self-representation at courts and provide overview of the litigation procedure and organisation of the court system in the RS. Chapters IV-VII explain the rules of litigation step-by-step, providing guidelines for filing and responding to a lawsuit, preparing and participating at court hearings and filing an appeal. Chapters IX and X provide overview of special procedures that are important for businesses, such as liquidation and the bankruptcy procedure. Chapter XI explains the enforcement procedure, since implementation of judicial decisions is critical part of the judicial procedure. Finally, Chapter XII gives information on alternative dispute resolution methods, including characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of mediation and arbitration. Basic terms of litigation procedure are provided in the last chapter. Annex 1 provides links to the legislation on court fees and calculators of court fees and costs of proceedings. Annex 2 provides contact details of courts as well as organizations or institutions that can provide additional referrals.

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Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; Self-Representation; guide; FBiH; enterprises;

(Second, extended edition) This Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Guide) is produced under the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Commercial Justice Technical Assistance Project(Project) implemented by the World Bank and funded with UK aid from the UK Government. The objective of the Project is to support justice institutions in implementing reforms that improve efficiency and access to commercial justice in BiH, building on the recommendations of the UK funded 2016 Feasibility Study on Improving Commercial Case Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project is part of a broader World Bank initiative to raise awareness of reform opportunities and inform policy dialogue on the efficiency, quality, and access to justice across countries in the Western Balkans, with a view to improve the performance of justice systems in these countries. The Project comprises five components, as follows: (1) strengthening commercial departments and commercial courts in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and the Republika Srpska (RS), respectively, through analysis of caseloads and workloads, and providing recommendations to re-engineer processes, reduce backlog and strengthen court management; (2) fast-tracking small claims, based on results of comparative legal analysis of civil procedure in BiH and in several countries of the European Union; (3) increasing access to justice for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through developing guides to increase legal literacy among firms; (4) capacity building through developing and implementing peer-led counseling and supplementary training for commercial judges; and (5) implementing procedural reforms to close loopholes and reduce bottlenecks in case processing through proposals for legislative amendments. This Guide is delivered under Project Component 3 - Increasing Access to Justice for MSMEs. Its purpose is to help the MSMEs in the FBiH to better understand court processes and gain basic knowledge necessary for self-representation at courts. The Guide provides answers to questions the MSMEs might have before deciding whether to litigate. The Guide is designed for MSMEs in the FBiH which do not possess formal knowledge in this area. A Guide of identical scope, structure and contents has been produced for MSMEs in the RS, reflecting specific features of the RS legal system and relevant regulation. The contents of the Guide and the topics addressed were defined based on broad consultations with representatives of business and legal community and the needs of the larger target audience. The Guide does not address all topics that might be of interest to some MSMEs, such as international litigations or labor disputes. The first edition of the Guide was published in December 2019 and widely distributed among the business community. To reflect the users’ feedback as well as lessons learnt from the impact of COVID-19 pandemics, this second edition was prepared to include a chapter on administrative disputes and provide additional information on liquidation and bankruptcy proceedings. The Guide uses a simple legal language and is written in a colloquial style, addressing directly a businessperson that considers using of court services. The first three chapters of the Guide introduce the notion of self-representation at courts and provide overview of the litigation procedure and organization of the court system in the FBiH. Chapters IV-VIII explain the rules of litigation step-by-step, providing guidelines for filing and responding to a lawsuit, preparing and participating at court hearings and filing an appeal. Chapters IX and X provide overview of special procedures that are important for businesses, such as liquidation and the bankruptcy procedure. Chapter XI explains the enforcement procedure, since implementation of judicial decisions is critical part of the judicial procedure. Chapter XII provides basic information on administrative disputes and proceedings in FBiH. Finally, Chapter XIII gives information on alternative dispute resolution methods, including characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of mediation and arbitration. Basic terms of litigation procedure are provided in the last chapter. Annex 1 provides information on ranges of court fees in each canton and links to the laws on court fees and calculators of court fees and costs of proceedings. Annex 2 provides contact details of courts as well as organizations or institutions that can provide additional referrals. Annex 3 provides table of templates’ examples.

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Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Republika Srpska

Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Republika Srpska

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; Self-Representation; guide; enterprises; Republika Srpska;

(Second, extended edition) This Self-Representation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Republika Srpska (the Guide) is produced under the Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Commercial Justice Technical Assistance Project (Project) implemented by the World Bank and funded with UK aid from the UK Government. The objective of the Project is to support justice institutions in implementing reforms that improve efficiency and access to commercial justice in BiH, building on the recommendations of the UK-funded 2016 Feasibility Study on Improving Commercial Case Management in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project is part of a broader World Bank initiative to raise awareness of reform opportunities and inform policy dialogue on the efficiency, quality, and access to justice across countries in the Western Balkans, with a view to improve the performance of justice systems in these countries. The Project comprises five components: (1) strengthening commercial departments and commercial courts in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) and Republika Srpska (RS), respectively, through analysis of caseloads and workloads, and providing recommendations to re-engineer processes, reduce backlog and strengthen court management; (2) fast-tracking small claims, based on results of comparative legal analysis of civil procedure in BiH and in several countries of the European Union; (3) increasing access to justice for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through developing guides to increase legal literacy among firms; (4) capacity building through developing and implementing peer-led counseling and supplementary training for commercial judges; and (5) implementing procedural reforms to close loopholes and reduce bottlenecks in case processing through proposals for legislative amendments. This Guide is delivered under Project Component 3 - Increasing Access to Justice for MSMEs. Its purpose is to help the MSMEs in the RS to better understand court processes and gain basic knowledge necessary for self-representation at courts. The Guide provides answers to questions that the MSMEs might have before deciding whether to litigate. The Guide is designed for MSMEs in the RS which do not possess formal knowledge in this area. A Guide of identical scope, structure and contents has been produced for MSMEs in the FBiH, reflecting specific features of the FBiH legal system and relevant regulation. The contents of the Guide and the topics addressed were defined based on broad consultations with representatives of business and legal community and the needs of the larger target audience. The Guide does not address all topics that might be of interest to some MSMEs, such as international litigations or labor disputes. The first edition of the Guide was published in December 2019 and widely distributed among the business community. To reflect the users’ feedback as well as lessons learnt from the impact of COVID-19 pandemics, this second edition was prepared to include a chapter on administrative disputes and provide additional information on liquidation and bankruptcy proceedings. The Guide uses a simple legal language and is written in a colloquial style, addressing directly a business person that considers using of court services. The first three chapters of the Guide introduce the notion of self-representation at courts and provide overview of the litigation procedure and organization of the court system in the RS. Chapters IV-VIII explain the rules of litigation step-bystep, providing guidelines for filing and responding to a lawsuit, preparing and participating at court hearings and filing an appeal. Chapters IX and X provide overview of special procedures that are important for businesses, such as liquidation and the bankruptcy procedure. Chapter XI explains the enforcement procedure, since implementation of judicial decisions is critical part of the judicial procedure. Chapter XII provides basic information on administrative disputes and proceedings in the RS. Finally, Chapter XIII gives information on alternative dispute resolution methods, including characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of mediation and arbitration. Basic terms of litigation procedure are provided in the last chapter. Annex 1 provides links to the legislation on court fees and calculators of court fees and costs of proceedings. Annex 2 provides contact details of courts as well as organizations or institutions that can provide additional referrals. Annex 3 provides table of templates’ examples.

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Report on the struggle for human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Izvještaj o borbi za ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; human rights; freedom of peaceful assembly; freedom of speech; freedom of movement;

U sklopu projekta ,,Doprinos akademske zajednice zaštiti ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini” koji realizuje Pravni fakultet u Lukavici Univerziteta za poslovni inženjering i menadžment Banja Luka, u saradnji sa Asocijacijom za demokratske inicijative (ADI) iz Sarajeva, a uz finansijsku podršku Evropske komisije, u periodu od marta do jula mjeseca 2021. godine sprovedeno je istraživanje koje je za predmet imalo pravno dogmatsku analizu zakona i podzakonskih akata u oblasti poštovanja ljudskog prava na slobodu mišljenja i izražavanja, prava na slobodu mirnog okupljanja i udruživanja i prava na slobodu kretanja, kao i analizu implementacije odredaba ovih akata od strane bezbjednosnih i pravosudnih institucija (policije i sudova). Cilj istraživanja je bio da se mapiraju slučajevi institucionalnog kršenja tri naprijed navedena ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovini, kao i da se sagleda postupanje Institucije ombudsmana za ljudska prava na polju zaštite tri naprijed navedena ljudska prava i odrede mogućnosti za jačanje i popularizaciju učešća akademskih institucija i organizacija civilnog društva u unapređenju politika zaštite ljduskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini. Kao krajnji ishod istraživanja izrađena je ,,Studija mapiranja institucionalnog kršenja ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini” kojom je mapirano više od 451 slučaj institucionalnog kršenja naprijed navedenih ljudskih prava (176 slučajeva institucionalnog kršenja prava na slobodu mišljenja i izražavanja, 102 slučaja institucionalnog kršenja prava na slobodu mirnog okupljanja i udruživanja i 173 slučaja institucionalnih kršenja prava na slobodu kretanja). Na osnovu nalaza Studije da se zaključiti da su loša zakonska rješenja, u smislu neusaglašenosti sa Evropskom konvencijom o zaštiti ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda i praksom Evropskog suda za ljudska prava, praćena lošim formulacijama podzakonskih akata kao i odsustvom internih procedura u smislu postupanja sigurnosnih institucija, dovela do slučajeva institucionalnog kršenja ljudskih prava koja su mapirana Studijom. Shodno navedenom, ,,Izvještaj o borbi za ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovni” predstavlja kvalitativnu analizu važećih zakonskih odredbi u odnosu na tri naprijed navedna ljudska prava koja su zagarantovana Ustavom Bosne i Hercegovine i meuđnarodnim ugovorima koji obavezuju Bosnu i Hercegovinu na njihovu zaštitu, urađenu na osnovu nalaza Studije kao i korištenjem informacija iz otvorenih izvora poput izvještaja Institucije ombudsmana za ljudska prava, izvještaja međunarodnih organizacija i domaćih OCD koje se bave praćenjem zaštite ljudskih prava u BiH, sadržaja naučnih i stručnih radova, novinarskih tekstova, razgovora sa predstavnicima organa vlasti i sl. Pored ovoga, u cilju obezbjeđivanja što sadržajnije slike stanja u oblasti zaštite tri naprijed navedena ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovini za potrebe izrade ovog izvještaja putem anonimne ankete sporvedeno je istraživanje o pitanju percepcije stanja tri odabrana ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovini među predstavnicima akademske zajednice i organizacija civilnog društva. Na osnovu naprijed navedenih informacija u izvještaju su date preporuke za ministarstva na svim nivoima i preporuke za Instituciju ombudsmena za ljudska prava u Bosni i Hercegovini u smislu smjernica za unapređenje politika zaštite ljudskih prava.

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Guidelines for the Application of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms by the Police and Courts (In Relation to Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention and Article 2 of Protocol No. 4)

Smjernice za primjenu Evropske konvencije za zaštitu ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda od strane policije i sudova (u odnosu na članove 10 i 11 konvencije i član 2 protokola br. 4)

Author(s): Filip Novaković,Aleksandar Ivanović / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; EU; Convention; human rights; application; guidelines;

Evropska konvencija za zaštitu ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda usvojena je u okviru Vijeća Evrope 1950. godine, a stupila na snagu 1953. godine, i predstavlja najznačajniji panevropski međunarodni sporazum koji danas primjenjuju gotovo sve države evropskog kontinenta (izuzev Bjelorusije, Kazahstana, Vatikana i Ruske Federacije), kao i Evropska unija. Jedan od osnovnih uslova za pristupanje Vijeću Evrope, koja trenutno važi za gotovo najznačajniju međunarodnu, međudržavnu organizaciju u Evropi, jeste pristupanje Evropskoj konvenciji za zaštitu ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda (u daljem tekstu: EKLjP, Evropska konvencija, Konvencija). Iako je Bosna i Hercegovina postala članica Vijeća Evrope 2002. godine, Evropska konvencija se u Bosni i Hercegovini primjenjuje od stupanja na snagu Aneksa IV Opšteg okvirnog sporazuma za mir u Bosni i Hercegovini 1995. godine. Izmjenama Ustava Bosne i Hercegovine (u daljem tekstu: Ustav BiH) pomenutim Aneksom, Evropska konvencija je inkorporirana u bosanskohercegovački pravni sistem na način da se isti međunarodni instrument direktno primjenjuje na cijeloj teritoriji Bosne i Hercegovine. Direktna primjena Evropske konvencije i njenih protokola je predviđena članom II/2 Ustava BiH. Istim članom je predviđeno da Konvencija sa svojim protokolima ima prioritet u odnosu na sve pravo/zakone u Bosni i Hercegovini (što je svojim odlukama potvrdio i Ustavni sud Bosne i Hercegovine).

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Guidelines for Police Action During Factual Identification of a Violation

Smjernice za postupanje policije prilikom činjenične identifikacije prekršaja

Author(s): Mladen Jeličić / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; security; police; violence; violation; identification; guidelines;

Publikacija koja se nalazi pred čitaocima predstavlja pokušaj autora da vještinu pravničkog rasuđivanja i primjene prava, ispoljenu kroz činjeničnu identifikaciju prekršaja, predstavi na suštinski i što jednostavniji način. Međutim, podrazumijeva se da policijski službenik pred kojim stoji zadatak sačinjavanja prekršajnog naloga ili zahtjeva za pokretanje prekršajnog postupka posjeduje osnovna pravnička znanja. Ta znanja manifestuju se u više aspekata. Prije svega, kao vještina da se iz činjeničnog stanja konkretnog slučaja koje je utvrđeno operativnim radom donese zaključak o postojanju određenog prekršaja. Da bi to mogao učiniti, policijski službenik bi trebalo da poznaje pravne norme kojima se propisuju prekršaji kao kazneni delikti. On mora da zna da identifikuje pravnu normu koja se može primijeniti na konkretno činjenično stanje i uslove koje pravna norma nameće da bi se određeno ponašanje smatralo prekršajem. Sposobnost otkrivanja suštine i smisla pravne norme, tj. tumačenje pravne norme, uslov je za pravilnu činjeničnu identifikaciju prekršaja. Policijski službenik koji raspolaže podacima o konkretnom događaju treba da proceni da li utvrđene činjenice odgovaraju pravnim pojmovima i kategorijama koje pravna norma zahtijeva za postojanje prekršaja, odnosno, da li postoji podudarnost između činjeničnog stanja i pravnih obilježja prekršaja. Zaključak o ispunjenosti ovog uslova naziva se pravni silogizam. Nakon toga, policijski službenik bi trebalo da na adekvatan način sastavi tekstualni opis prekršaja. Pravno valjan činjenični opis prekršaja podrazumijeva definisanje vremena i mjesta izvršenja prekršaja, radnje izvršenja, posljedice i uzročne veze, kao i navođenje uslova kažnjivosti za pojedine prekršaje, najčešće objektivnog uslova inkriminacije, ali i pravilnu pravnu kvalifikaciju prekršaja. Svi pobrojani elementi tekstualnog opisa prekršaja nameću suštinski zahtjev – oni moraju da odgovaraju svim elementima koje pravna norma propisuje u biću prekršaja. Prekršaj mora biti opisan na način da sve ono što je navedeno u tekstualnom opisu čini jasnu, razumljivu i logičnu cjelinu iz koje se lako mogu uočiti svi elementi koji čine činjeničnu identifikaciju prekršaja.

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Guidelines for the Application of Police Powers at Public Gatherings

Smjernice za primjenu policijskih ovlašćenja na javnim okupljanjima

Author(s): Aleksandar Miladinović / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; security; police; power; application; public gathering; guidelines;

Shodno međunarodnopravnim, a prije svega evropskim standardima, normativna regulisanost prava na slobodu okupljanja podrazumijeva afirmisanje pretpostavke u korist održavanja. To podrazumijeva da se u zakonu sloboda javnog okupljanja treba tako regulisati da se ona uvijek podrazumijeva da je prisutna, sem u zakonom taksativno navedenim situacijama. Suprotno određenje (da se u zakonu normira da je javno okupljanje dozvoljeno u taksativno navedenim situacijama) je svakako pogrešan nomotehnički, ali i fundamentalni pristup. To podrazumijeva i da za javno okupljanje, po pravilu, nije nužno dobijanje dozvole od strane javnog organa, već ga je dovoljno samo prijaviti. Stoga, podrazumijeva se da pravo na javno okupljanje podrazumijeva i spontana okupljanja.

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Guidelines for the Use of Force Against Perpetrators of Offenses in the Area of Public Order and Peace

Smjernice za upotrebu sile prema učiniocima prekršaja iz oblasti javnog reda i mira

Author(s): Aleksandar Miladinović / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: public order; peace; use of force; police; guidelines;

Iako je javni red i mir društvena vrijednost, on je i normativno određen. Prije svega, on je određen Zakonom o javnom redu i miru. Međutim, može se reći i da je ustavna kategorija s obzirom na to da se i u ustavu indirketno pominje ova odrednica. Uobičajeno se pod javnim redom i mirom, u skladu sa određenjem u Zakonu o javnom redu i miru, podrazumijeva ,,usklađeno stanje međusobnih odnosa građana nastalo njihovim ponašanjem na javnom mjestu i djelovanjem organa i službi u javnom životu, radi obezbjeđivanja jednakih uslova za ostvarivanje prava građana na ličnu bezbjednost, mir i spokojstvo, privatni život, slobodu kretanja, zaštitu ljudskog dostojanstva i prava maloljetnika i drugih lica“.

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Study on Mapping Institutional Human Rights Violations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Studija mapiranja institucionalnog kršenja ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini

Author(s): Aleksandar R. Ivanović / Language(s): Bosnian

Keywords: BiH; human rights; violations; mapping; study; 2021;

Prema Ustavu, Bosna i Hercegovina je demokratska država koja funkcioniše u skladu sa zakonom i na osnovu slobodnih i demokratskih izbora. Takođe, Bosna i Hercegovina i oba njena entiteta treba da osiguraju najviši nivo međunarodno priznatih ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda. U tu svrhu postoji Komisija za ljudska prava za Bosnu i Hercegovinu, kako je predviđeno Aneksom 6. Opšteg okvirnog sporazuma. Ustav BiH navodi da su prava i slobode predviđeni Evropskom konvencijom za zaštitu ljudskih prava i osnovnih sloboda i njenim protokolima direktno primjenjivi u Bosni i Hercegovini. Ovi akti imaju prednost nad svim ostalim zakonima. U članu 3. Ustava BiH navedena su sva prava građana u Bosni i Hercegovini. Međutim, u praksi se dešava da državne institucije na svim nivoima vlasti u Bosni i Hercegovini krše ova prava. Na kršenja ovih prava ukazuju brojna istraživanja, izvještaji međunarodnih institucija, kao i domaćih i stranih nevladinih organizacija. Ta kršenja se ogledaju prije svega u lošim zakonskim rješenjima u određenim oblastima, a zatim i u primjeni istih, kao i postupanju državnih organa. Poseban problem u smislu ugrožavanja tri naprijed navedena prava predstavlja prekršajno sankcionisanje građana, tj. situacije u kojima se pokretanje prekršajnih postupaka i izricanje prekršajnih sankcija koristi kao sredstvo za sprečavanje izražavanja mišljenja građana, i ostvarenja njihovog prava na slobodu mirnog okupljanja, odnosno kao mehanizam vršenja pritiska na građane da odustanu od svojih legitimnih zahtjeva. Pored ovoga, zaštita tri gorenavedena ljudska prava je dovedena u pitanje i zbog situacija sa krizom zbog pandemije COVID-19 koja je pogodila i Bosnu i Hercegovinu, a u kojoj se organi vlasti nisu baš najbolje snašli u smislu pravljenja balansa između nastojanja da spriječe širenje virusa i zaštite zdravlje stanovništva, s jedne strane, i da obezbijede puno poštovanje ljudskih prava, sa druge strane. Zbog svega ovoga, postoji potreba za intenzivnijim angažovanjem akademske zajednice u zaštiti ljudskih prava u Bosni i Hercegovini. U skladu sa tim, kreiran je projekat „Doprinos akademske zajednice zaštiti ljudskih prava u BiH (Contribution of the academic community to the protection of human rights in BiH)“ koji Pravni fakultet u Lukavici, Univerziteta za poslovni inženjering i menadžment Banja Luka, u saradnji sa Asocijacijom za demokratske inicijative (ADI) iz Sarajeva, a uz finansijsku podršku Evropske komisije, realizuje na prostoru Bosne i Hercegovine u periodu od januara 2021. do decembra 2022. godine. Opšti cilj ovog projekta je podrška braniteljima ljudskih prava i civilnom društvu u zaštiti slobode mišljenja i informacija, slobode mirnog okupljanja i udruživanja i slobode kretanja. Jedna od aktivnosti ovog projekta je izrada Studije mapiranja o institucionalnom kršenju ljudskih prava u BiH (u daljem tekstu Studije) koja uključuje mapiranje institucionalnog kršenja ljudskih prava u BiH na području slobode mišljenja i informisanja, slobode mirnog okupljanja i udruživanja i slobode kretanja u određenom periodu, kao i definisanje zaključaka u vezi sa nedostacima u primjeni zakona i međunarodnih konvencija u BiH i davanje preporuka za unaprjeđenje politika i zakona o ljudskim pravima u BiH koji se odnose na tri gorepomenuta područja ljudskih prava.

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