Intl Community condemns RS laws undermining Bosnia’s constitutional order

The Office of the High Representative (OHR) stated that these laws directly undermine BiH’s constitutional order and violate the country’s obligations under the Dayton Peace Agreement. “High Representative Christian Schmidt calls on all relevant actors to fully utilize domestic legal mechanisms to uphold and protect the constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” OHR told N1. “I have unwavering confidence in the ability of BiH’s state institutions to act.” OHR’s response confirms previous indications that it will not intervene directly, leaving the resolution of the crisis to domestic authorities.

The United Kingdom expressed deep concern over what it called “dangerous ethno-nationalist politics” aimed at weakening BiH’s statehood. “The people of BiH need their leaders to focus on reforms rather than escalating tensions and engaging in secessionist moves,” the UK statement read. British officials noted that the newly adopted RS laws violate the Dayton Accords and disrupt the functioning of BiH’s legal institutions. “We reaffirm our unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of BiH and support for a single, sovereign state comprising two entities, in which all its peoples and citizens are equal.”

The United States also condemned the move, describing it as an “anti-constitutional and anti-Dayton” act that directly threatens BiH’s stability and security. “Let us be clear — this is a deliberate provocation to BiH’s constitutional order,” the US Embassy in Sarajevo stated. Washington warned political leaders behind the decision to avoid further destabilizing actions and inflammatory rhetoric. “Engage in responsible political dialogue, support BiH’s democratic institutions, and uphold the rule of law.

The citizens you serve deserve no less.” The U.S. reaffirmed its strong support for BiH’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

The RS leadership, led by President Milorad Dodik, continues to push legislation that international actors view as an attempt to erode state institutions. Dodik’s latest actions, the UK noted, serve only as a distraction from the decision of an independent court, rather than benefiting the people of BiH.