Bosnia among few European countries to recognize femicide in law

The professional workshop, titled "Challenges in Prosecutors' Procedures under the Amended Criminal Code of FBiH and the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women," was organized by the Gender Center of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the Center for Education of Judges and Prosecutors of the Federation of BiH and the EU for Inclusion project in BiH.

"We have created a strong legal framework in FBiH where crimes that were previously unregulated are now recognized, ranging from digital violence, stalking, sexual abuse and harassment, all the way to femicide. BiH is one of only five countries in Europe that has this crime recognized in law," said Samir Numanovic, director of the Gender Center of FBiH.

The new law, in force since August, provides for stricter penalties and urgent measures to prevent violence and ensure victim protection. Numanovic emphasized that a key element is a multisectoral response from all institutions, including the police, prosecutors, and social welfare centers.

The Center for Education of Judges and Prosecutors of the Federation of BiH, according to its director Almir Tabakovic, conducts continuous activities to ensure the judicial system is prepared to apply the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence.

"We regularly analyze and organize trainings for prosecutors and judges to ensure timely and effective proceedings, including cases of violence against women and domestic violence," Tabakovic stressed.

Regarding recent cases, he noted that institutions, primarily prosecutors’ offices and courts, have acted promptly in cooperation with the police and are working intensively.

"The Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo records a significant number of domestic violence cases, including violence against children," said Iva Kurilic, prosecutor at the Sarajevo Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office.

"We are very dedicated and set high standards in handling such cases. We conduct detailed investigations and collect evidence to prosecute crimes as efficiently as possible, especially those against children," Kurilic emphasized.

According to her, the new legal provisions have allowed for the prosecution of crimes that were previously unregulated. Kurilic also stressed that the message of the workshop is to encourage victims to report violence, as protection and psychological support are provided during and after the proceedings.

Adnan Kadribasic, project manager of "EU for Inclusion in BiH", highlighted the importance of applying the amendments to the Criminal Code of FBiH.

"From the perspective of the EU accession process, the latest progress report recognized that this law is largely aligned with the Istanbul Convention, but now it is crucial to apply it as effectively as possible," Kadribasic said.

The new law introduces crimes such as stalking, psychological and sexual harassment, thereby expanding the protection framework for victims.

"The law provides new tools for prosecutors to prosecute crimes, that is, behaviors that existed before in our society but are now defined as criminal offenses," Kadribasic added.

He emphasized that the goal is to demonstrate that gender-based violence will not go unpunished.

With this workshop, the Gender Center of the Federation of BiH also announced the start of the International Campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence," a global initiative observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preventing and combating violence against women and girls.