OSCE, Aida Besic
EUFOR, Tim Smith
OHR
BiH Leaders Must Consider Post-Dayton Era
As you know, the High Representative is in the
US
this week,
where he will meet senior US and UN representatives and attend the events
surrounding the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Today he will – for the last time in his capacity as High Representative –
address the UN Security Council.
He will say that the start of the
SAA
negotiations mark a decisive break with the past; and he will map out some of
the outstanding issues that need to be tackled as BiH moves further towards the
EU.
He will say that while the basic institutional framework necessary
for the smooth functioning of a state has been established, these
institutions must now be strengthened in order for them to become
effective. He will say that sustainability and functionality will become the key
watchwords as BiH moves further towards EU accession.
The High Representative will point out that the
Dayton
end of its usefulness as a framework for the next phase of
SAA
the
Dayton
essential for the foundations of peace, BiH political representatives must
consider the post
Dayton
find a new constitutional framework to move forward.
This process must start as soon as possible. At issue is improving the
functional efficiency of BiH. The High Representative will say that is it
clear that the current cost of government is too high, and that the requirements
of EU integration will also necessitate change. He will say that the people of
BiH are entitled to demand a government that is accountable and efficient,
that spends less on government and civil service, and more on services such
as health and education.
But he will also emphasise that this is not a job that can be done by
the International Community – it can only be done by the BiH institutions.
He will also address the issue of police decertification and urge the
Security Council to set up a review of the police certification process
conducted by the UN’s International Police Task Force.
He will point out that a review mechanism would consolidate the certification
process by overturning or confirming decisions that currently raise questions
about the validity of the process as a whole.
OSCE
High Schools students to demonstrate human rights and celebrate
diversity
December 10 is International Human Rights Day, the commemoration of the
signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. It is an
opportunity for each of us to take time to honour the spirit and principles
enshrined therein – respect, equality, tolerance and diversity.
To celebrate this day, the OSCE Mission to
Bosnia and Herzegovina
has launched a BiH-wide essay
competition among high school students. The competition entitled will give
high school students an opportunity to write about their thoughts on diversity,
the freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights principles.
Students must submit their essays the relevant OSCE regional centre by
Monday, 28 November. The OSCE Mission to
Bosnia and Herzegovina
in
Banja Luka
Tuzla
Sarajevo
selected by a panel comprised of Ambassador Douglas Davidson, Head of the OSCE
Mission to BiH, Vildana Selimbegovic, editor-in-chief of Dani Magazine, Mirsad
Kebo, State Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, and Srdjan Dizdarevic,
President of Helsinki Committee of BiH. Winners will be announced in
Sarajevo
held in December.
Ambassador Davidson to
Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons in
Ambassador Davidson, Head of the OSCE Mission to
Bosnia and Herzegovina
will today address the State
Commission for Refugees and Displaced Persons at their 9th session in
Banja Luka
. He is attending this
session in order to provide support to the work of the Commission and the need
for enhanced cooperation with relevant governmental institutions at all levels.
Taking into account the Commission’s role in making policy related to the
return sector, Ambassador Davidson will address the raising need for
co-ordination in order to effectively support the sustainability of returns,
especially in the field of economic and social rights on issues such as health,
pension, employment, education and housing. In this regard, Ambassador Davidson
will encourage the Commission to investigate and address systemic problems that
prevent or discourage return and to actively follow up the implementation of its
conclusions, and lobby with Entity and relevant State level Ministries to ensure
that conclusions are taken seriously and acted upon.
In its monitoring/observing role to the Commission, the OSCE Mission remains
committed to support the important work of the State Commission and the full
implementation of Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
EUFOR
No statement.
RTQs
Question for OHR and EUFOR. Do you have any information on RS Police
negotiating in last couple of days with one of PIFWCs on his surrender?
OHR:
I can say from OHR’s point of view that is not a topic on which we would have
any kind of comment.
EUFOR:
Absolutely. I am not aware of the situation. I have nothing to add on that at
the moment.