CHIEF PROSECUTOR HOLDS MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF EU PROJECT FOR WESTERN BALKANS COUNTRIES

The project relates to a Comparative Study on the Mechanism of Reparations for Crimes and Violations of International Humanitarian Law in the Western Balkans Countries.

The Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gordana Tadić, together with her associates, held a meeting with representatives of the EU project for the Western Balkans countries, which deals with reparations for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

The aim of the project is to prepare an analytical report with a focus on the EU acquis communautaire, as well as other relevant international standards in this area.

The expert team is composed of Ms. Celine Bardet, who is the Project Leader, along with 6 other thematic experts.

The meeting discussed topics related to the legal practice applied in BiH within the procedures for exercising the right to reparation for victims of crime.

The Chief Prosecutor pointed out that in the work of the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina priority has been given to the bringing of justice to victims and to the representation of victims’ interests. She also pointed out that in court proceedings regarding certain cases reparations had been awarded to victims, especially in war crimes of rape and sexual abuse, and that the practice in this area had to be improved, namely in civil and other proceedings regarding reparation that had been initiated.

Also, the importance of regional cooperation and exchange of practice and experiences in these processes was emphasised at the meeting.

The Prosecutor’s Office of BiH is open for cooperation in this project, as well as in all other projects aimed at protection and support to victims.