The OSCE Mission to Bosnia organized two online training courses on ethical standards and disciplinary practice for newly appointed judges and prosecutors and legal associates, October 1st and 2nd, 2020, the Mission said Thursday.

The event aimed at increasing participants’ understanding of ethical standards and the substance of codes of ethics for judges and prosecutors. The training course particularly focused on impartiality and accountability, conflict of interest, the use of social media and public statements.

Dmitry Iordanidi, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH stated that “integrity, independence, and accountability of judicial office holders are of paramount importance. They must be respected to ensure that citizens have faith in a fair, reliable justice system. The OSCE Mission to BiH remains dedicated to upholding professional standards within the judiciary.”

Mirza H. Omerovic, Deputy Chief Disciplinary Counsel, added: “The Office of the Disciplinary Counsel appreciates the OSCE Mission's continuous support. Improving the integrity of the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina is our common goal. We are pleased to once again participate in this training for judges and prosecutors in the area of ethics, discipline, conflict of interest, and judicial integrity as a whole. These topics are of critical importance.”

Participants had the opportunity to learn about practical instances of disciplinary procedures conducted by the disciplinary bodies of Bosnia's High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council.

The training course is organized jointly by the OSCE Mission to Bosnia, Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centre of the Federation (FBiH) entity, and the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC).