General view of the Main Committee of the Fourth World Conference on Women, at its first meeting, held on 5 September 1995 in Beijing. Credit: UN/DPI 051114/Zhang Yan Hui.

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

Bosnia and Herzegovina National Plan of Action for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings

History: The Council of Ministers established the Anti-Trafficking National Task Force (NTF) in November 2000. The NTF was established to meet the goals of the Stability Pact in relation to combating trafficking in women. The main objective of the NTF was to draft the National Action Plan against Trafficking in Human Beings. In December 2001, the Council of Ministers adopted the NAP and it was presented at the meeting of the Stability Pact's Anti-Trafficking Task Force later that month. The National Action Plan provided: (1) prevention; (2) awareness-raising measures; and (3) full protection of trafficked persons based on human rights principles and standards. The NTF will continue to work on the implementation of the National Action Plan.

The development of an anti-trafficking state policy has progressed and… “For the purpose of more successful fight against trafficking in human beings at the state level, the Council of Ministers has in July 2003 issued the Decision on the Procedures and the Way of Coordinating Activities on Anti-Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Migration in BiH and the Establishment of the Function of the State Coordinator for BiH. On the basis of this Decision, besides the function of the State Coordinator, coordination structure in the form of the so-called State Group was created comprised of representatives from several ministries…” (Cited in: State Coordinator for Combating of Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Immigrations; web; Coordinating structures)

The latest BH State Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has been developed for 2005-2007.

For more details, please see the official web site of the State Coordinator for Combating of Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Immigrations (Office established by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Council of Ministers). A page is available in English and local languages and contains information on: News, Coordinating structures, Legislation, and other relevant Documents (plans, reports, manuals).

Gender Equality Mechanisms and Gender Equality Action Plan

The Gender Center of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in December 2000 by the Government of the Federation of BiH. In January 2001, the Gender Center of the Republic of Srpska Gaverment was established by the Government of Republic of Srpska.

Both governments have issued by-laws by which they regulate the establishment, mandate and funding of these machineries. Both Centers are required to monitor the status of women and the implementation of international and domestic rights; coordinate with other gender institutions; assist in drafting legislation and define measures to achieve equal access to the development process; promote equal rights and opportunities for men and women; take initiative on legislative amendments regarding gender; provide expert assistance with regard to gender policies; cooperate with NGOs; coordinate the implementation of domestic and international programs; and coordinate the reporting process to the treaty body committees.

The Gender equality law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH, No.16/03) was adopted in 2003 after years of policy advocacy by women’s NGOs. The Law established the BH Agency for Gender Equality as the state gender equality mechanism. One of the main roles of state gender mechanisms is the implementation of the Gender Equality Law and tasks relating the state obligations under the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The Agency for Gender Equality proposed the Gender Action Plan, which was adopted by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina at its 129th session held on 14 September 2006.

The BH State Gender Equality Agency stated, as the Gender Action Plan was announced, "Any precise comment from our partners and NGO, are welcome."

For details, please see the Bosnia and Herzegovina Gender Action Plan.

Compiled from: Agency for Gender Eguality; Gender center of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Gender Center of the Republic of Srpska Government;  State Coordinator for Combating of Trafficking in Human Beings and Illegal Immigrations.