Strengthening survivor protection and improving enforcement of protection measures through the introduction of electronic monitoring were the focus of a high-level working meeting convened today by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) and UN Women Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UN Women).
The meeting brought together the FBiH Ministers of Justice and Interior, cantonal Ministers of Interior, Police Commissioners, and representatives of international and UN partners, with the aim of strengthening political commitment and operational readiness for the introduction of electronic monitoring (EM) of protection measures in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH).
The initiative comes in response to ongoing challenges in the implementation of the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women, particularly in the issuance and effective monitoring of protection measures. The introduction of electronic monitoring is intended to enhance survivor safety, improve enforcement of protection orders, and reduce the risk of repeated violence and femicide.
Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, emphasized that the regulatory framework for implementation has already been established, adding that the focus must now shift to political will, coordination, and resources to ensure effective application. He noted that the discussion concerns not just technology procurement, but the development of an operational model that will make the system effective in practice, stressing: "When a protection measure is ordered, victims must have confidence that it will be enforced, and electronic monitoring can strengthen that confidence and reinforce trust in institutions and the rule of law."
"Preventing violence and protecting survivors requires more than strong legislation- it requires effective implementation, accountability, and co-ordinated institutional action. The new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence and Violence against Women provides an important framework aligned with the standards of the Istanbul Convention," said Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative. "Electronic monitoring can strengthen survivor safety and support a timely institutional response to breaches. Today's meeting marks an important step towards ensuring this mechanism is implemented effectively across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina."
Highlighting the importance of practical enforcement of the legislation and bylaws related to the electronic monitoring, Federal Minister of Justice Vedran Škobić emphasized the importance of ensuring that protection measures are not only legally guaranteed but also effectively implemented in practice. In line with this, the cantons will in the future have adequate means that will serve as key instruments for safeguarding survivors.
The Federal Minister of the Interior, Ramo Isak, emphasized that, in accordance with the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence and Violence against Women in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has adopted significant by-laws relevant for the police response to cases of violence. "By adopting new regulations, we have improved and standardized the work of police officers through mandatory risk assessment and effective implementation of protective measures against perpetrators of violence, with the aim of strengthening victim protection. The Federal Ministry of the Interior continues its activities on establishing a unified database and remains ready to provide full professional and operational support to all initiatives that contribute to a more effective institutional response to violence."
Participants reaffirmed strong political commitment to fully operationalize electronic monitoring of protection measures, recognising that delays may leave survivors at continued risk. They agreed to establish a FBiH-cantonal co-ordination mechanism lead by FBiH Ministry of Justice to discuss operational model for the implementation of the electronic monitoring that will address existing needs, challenges and, ultimately contribute to protection of victims safety. They also committed to conducting review of implementation models and resource needs to inform costs and budgeting.
The Mission and the UN Women, will be continue to closely monitor, engage and support the implementation of the commitments reached at the meeting today. By strengthening protection, prevention, and institutional response, this initiative contributes to safer communities, stronger public trust, and long-term security and stability in BiH.
