last updated 6 October 2008

Contributed by: Duska Andric-Ruzicic, Bosnia and Herzegovina National VAW Monitor

First Periodic Report

• Due: 30 June 1995
• Submitted 3 February 2005
• Summary Record of the 41st Meeting 
• Summary Record of the 42nd Meeting (French)
• Summary Record of the 43rd Meeting
• List of Issues
• Concluding Observations (French) (Spanish)
• The Commitee recognizes the complicated  administrative system due to the constitutional structure of the state, and notes that it results in unequal implementation of laws and policies regarding social, cultural and economic rights. The Committee notes with appreciation Bosnia and Herzegovina's adoption of the Law on Gender Equality, which addresses gender-related violence and establishes a state-level agency to address gender equality issues, but notes concern about the failure to harmonize laws with the Law on Gender Equality, including provisions regarding domestic violence. In addition, there has been inadequate funding and manpower to carry out the Law's mandate. The Committee expressed concern that domestic violence is not reported and that when it is, victims are met with a failure to sufficiently investigate the crime and inadequate healthcare and treatment systems.  The Committee also noted concern about a lack of funding for the social welfare centers, which deal with victims of trafficking and with female heads of households.Acknowledging the progress that has been made with trafficking, the Committee still notes concern that there are not enough qualified medical and psychological personnel available to victims. The Committee is "gravely concerned" with the governments inadequate assistance to victims of sexual violence suffered during the war. The Committee offered particular recommendations for each of the aforementioned concerns, including harmonizing the laws and providing training and education for law enforcement officials. 

Second Periodic Report

• Due: 30 June 2010

For more details and documents regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina's reporting schedule, please visit the UN OHCHR – Treaties and report status by Countries – Bosnia and Herzegovina.