The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Peter Sorensen, underlined the Union’s full support for the Ombudspersons and their work at a meeting today.  In his discussions with the three Ombudspersons – Jasminka Dzumhur, Ljubomir Sandic and Nives Jukic – he noted that respect for human rights is one of the EU’s fundamental values. 

Commenting, Ambassador Sorensen said:

“The Human Rights Ombudsman is a key institution for the protection and promotion of humans rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the establishment of a single State level Ombudsman last year was a welcome development. It has the EU’s full support. Now it needs adequate resources and its staff need the right training to fulfill its mandate. I also support the implementation of the recommendations of the annual report. 

“The principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are founding principles of the European Union. Adherence to these principles constitutes a prerequisite for peace, development and security in any society and are a key element of the European integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“I look forward to continuing contact with the Human Rights Ombudsman.”