Over 40 percent of war crimes cases involve individuals who are either accused or convicted but remain beyond the reach of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judiciary, said the President of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) of BiH, Halil Lagumdzija. This is evident even in cases where international warrants have been issued, as many fugitives seek refuge in neighbouring countries like Croatia and Serbia.

Lagumdzija noted that while there has been progress in the last three years, it is insufficient—a sentiment echoed by representatives of war victims’ associations.

The Hague's Chief Prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, added his support to this criticism, acknowledging that victims’ associations have the right to express dissatisfaction. He admitted that more could always have been done.

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals has concluded its work on these cases and is now focused on supporting the prosecution of war crimes through regional cooperation. This includes handing over cases to countries where the accused or convicted are hiding.

“The only way to ensure justice is served is to transfer prosecutions to the countries where these fugitives are located,” Brammertz stated. “Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Belgrade, Zagreb, and Podgorica, where I received assurances from local prosecutors that they are ready to take on these cases if they are handed over. In another part of the meeting, we spoke with representatives of war victims’ associations. They are right to be critical and dissatisfied”, he said.

Brammertz concluded by emphasizing that regional cooperation must be improved. “Without it, we will not make any progress,” he said.