The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has called on Republika Srpska to respect the rule of law and adhere to the final, binding decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a statement, the Mission condemned the celebration of the so-called "Day of Republika Srpska" on 9 January, criticizing the glorification of war criminals and acts of intolerance that frequently accompany the event.

The OSCE highlighted that such celebrations, officially supported by the Republika Srpska government, violate a 26 November 2015 ruling by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which deemed the event unconstitutional. The Court ruled that marking 9 January as a public holiday is exclusionary, particularly toward non-Serbs, and is therefore inconsistent with the constitutions of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.

In a country as ethnically diverse as Bosnia and Herzegovina, the OSCE emphasized the importance of respecting judicial decisions to foster unity and reconciliation. “Ignoring such rulings risks deepening divisions and perpetuating ethnic tensions,” the statement warned.

The Mission reiterated its commitment to supporting authorities in upholding equality, non-discrimination, and the rule of law. It stressed the need for mutual respect to ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.