UN SC reaffirms Bosnia’s sovereignty on 30th anniversary of Dayton accords

In a presidential statement read by the representative of Slovenia in his capacity as President for December, the 15-member Council recalled the initial signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Dayton, Ohio, on 21 November 1995, and its formal signature in Paris on 14 December 1995.

Recalling that Bosnia consists of two entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, as well as the Brcko District, the Council underlined the importance of safeguarding the rights of Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and others. The statement stressed the ongoing need to resolve differences through dialogue and consensus.

The Council called on leaders at all levels to refrain from divisive rhetoric or actions, avoid confrontation, respect the rule of law, and uphold the Dayton Agreement. Members emphasized the need to advance reconciliation, foster trust among communities, and promote social cohesion, while noting that Bosnia has achieved significant progress over the last three decades.

Council members also noted the importance of stability in the Western Balkans and welcomed the continued presence of the European Union Force Althea. Authorized under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the force was established in 2004 to assist local authorities in upholding the Dayton Agreement.