Presentation of the results of the implementation of the Action Plan for UN Resolution 1325 – Women, Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the topic of the round table organized by the BiH Ministry of Security. Discussion and presentation of good practices and experiences that were presented on this occasion to the leadership of these institutions were the first step on the road to appoint a contact person for gender issues in the field of security and defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Ministry of Security traditionally at the end of the year organizes meetings for representatives of all relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations, whit aim to present the results in the previous year. At the same time, key challenges that we faced  in our efforts to deliver each of our commitments that our institutions have in the process of implementation of the Action Plan of the Council of Ministers are highlighted. . We can proudly say that we have done a lot together in the past three years, however, we have some other obligations that we have not completed according to the Action Plan. We haven’t appointed advisors or contact person for gender issues in most of the institutions, which is the reason for this roundtable discussion being dedicated to it,” said Murveta Dzaferovic, Deputy BiH Minister of Security.
 
Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the countries in which women in police force are minority. In her opening remarks Brigitte Kuchar, Programme manager of in the EU Delegation to BiH, stressed that there are a lot of stereotypes in civil society as well as within the police.

Ms. Kuchar noted: “Only a society that uses all of human resources, both men and women, is using its full potential to develop full prosperity. Leaving women out of equation means depriving society of valuable capital. This is valid for any institution, especially for police forces that should reflect the society they serve. The second and more important reason is when addressing security needs police must recognize that women and men, boys and girls, are affected by violence and crimes  in different ways. Acknowledging this, police forces have to adjust their services accordingly “.

Action plan for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 contains eight goals, one of which being to increase the number of women in the military and police forces. This objective proscribes  the obligation of the Ministry of Security, Ministry of Defence, the entity ministries of Internal Affairs  and Police of Brcko District to appoint a contact person for gender issues in the military and police institutions and structures.

Ministry of Security organized this activity in cooperation with the IPA 2010 project “EU Support to Law Enforcement” and Coordination Committee of the Council of Ministers for monitoring the of the implementation of UN Resolution 1325 – Women, Peace and Security.