High Rep: BiH State institutions are not negotiable

As stated by the Office of the High Representative (OHR), Schmidt and Bogunic discussed the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during their meeting.
“The conversation focused primarily on strengthening of the rule of law and addressing the challenges that must be overcome”, the OHR said.

“The HJPC BiH is essential in evolving a rule-of-law-governed state. Republika Srpska’s attempt to establish its own HJPC, in violation of BiH constitutional order, seriously jeopardizes the functioning of the judiciary and the service that it offers to its citizens.

BiH State Institutions are not negotiable. The international community remains dedicated to supporting one single Council for the entire BiH that should ensure the same standards and protection of rights throughout BiH,” said Schmidt.

The establishment of a separate HJPC for the RS is among the controversial and unconstitutional actions being undertaken by the authorities in entity.

Bogunic clearly stated, ahead of the two-day session of the HJPC, that the judiciary must be independent from any political interference.