A/HRC/14/16
been submitted to Parliament. It was a strategy providing for comprehensive solutions to
unresolved issues related to the return of refugees and displaced persons. Considerable
funds, approximately 17 millions euros annually, had been invested to address issues
related to returnees. Since the Dayton Agreement had been concluded, the number of
displaced persons had declined from 1.1 million to some 130,000. The country was
determined to completely resolve that issue by 2014, through the implementation of several
initiatives and the support of partners. Bosnia and Herzegovina was also committed to
maintaining the Sarajevo Declaration.
65.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had one of the best legal and regulatory frameworks in
Europe concerning freedom of the media; what was missing was true implementation.
There was a press code and a free help line. The priority was to develop an inclusive project
to strengthen media freedom. In addition, the Communication Regulatory Agency was
working for the protection of minors, in particular against violence on television. There was
also a press council, with a self-regulatory body responsible for printed media.
66.
The United States of America commended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s commitment
to good human rights practices. It expressed concern about the conditions in prison and
detention centres, which were below international standards in several areas. It expressed
concern about reports of ethnically motivated violence among inmates, particularly the
formation of prison gangs based on ethnicity or region of origin. It also expressed concern
that respect for religious freedom had been limited through selective legal enforcement and
the indifference of some Government officials. It made recommendations.
67.
Germany commended the Government on the improvements made in recent years in
the area of human rights. Germany asked about the measures taken to improve the exercise
of the freedom of expression and to enable human rights activists to carry out their mission.
It expressed concern about the issue of impunity for crimes of sexual violence related to the
armed conflict, as non-governmental organizations had noted the inadequate legal
definition of such crimes, which had led to an insufficient legal framework and scant
protection for witnesses, and that efforts to prosecute the perpetrators had not been
completed to date. Germany asked for clarification regarding impunity for sexual violence.
Germany also asked which measures had been undertaken to find a solution for the
internally displaced, especially women and children, who were sometimes victims of
internal trafficking or trafficking to other countries. Germany made recommendations.
68.
Japan noted the multi-ethnic character of the population and efforts aimed at ethnic
reconciliation. It requested information about measures to eliminate the practice of “two
schools under one roof”. Regarding the Roma, it also noted prevalent problems and hoped
that further measures would be taken to improve the exercise of their social rights. It was
concerned about the high number of internally displaced persons and about the fact that the
Republic of Srpska had reduced its budget concerning refugees and the internally displaced.
Japan made one recommendation.
69.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted that further work
was necessary to strengthen the Ombudsman office at the State level and that the current
situation continued to impede the implementation of human rights legislation. It regretted
the fact that Bosnian authorities were unable to agree on an extension to the mandates of
international judges and prosecutors. It requested information about how the authorities
planned to address the outstanding cases of 10,000 to 16,000 untried war criminals. The
United Kingdom expressed its concern at the current Constitution, which was in breach of
the European Convention on Human Rights, as it discriminated against minority groups. It
made recommendations.
70.
Jordan commended the establishment of the Human Rights Ombudsman and the
adoption of various laws seeking to ensure effective protection, such as the Law on the
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