Bosnia and Herzegovina has clearly made significant progress, but it must continue to strive for a modern, independent, efficient and effective judiciary, EU Delegation to BiH Chargé d’Affaires Boris Iarochevitch said yesterday during a presentation on judicial progress at the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina (HJPC) in Sarajevo.

“The value of the EU assistance to judicial reform in BiH has exceeded 30 million Euros,” Mr Iarochevitch noted.

He added that the aim of the EU assistance has been not only to modernise the judiciary, but also to help it achieve the standards required for EU accession.

“Various facets of judicial reform have been covered – from the renovation and reconstruction of courts, including a substantial part of the state court, and the cantonal and municipal court of Sarajevo, to the introducing ICT systems for all types and levels of courts and prosecutor offices throughout BiH,” he said.

Mr Iarochevitch acknowledged that the judiciary in Bosnia and Herzegovina has a responsibility for investigating, indicting and convicting those involved in war crimes and crimes against humanity and that this brings with it serious obligations. He said this is why the European Union has been the largest donor in this specific area.

“Plans are proceeding in regard to create witness protection rooms in eleven district and cantonal courts across BiH,” he noted.

He said judicial staff capacity needs particular attention and there should be systematic implementation of the national war crimes strategy, and that the ministries of justice and finance should recognise their roles in financially supporting such required reforms.

“Most of all, political pressure on the judiciary must stop,” Mr Iarochevitch said. “In particular, nominations of judges should be done according to the Constitution and the law.”

HJPC President Milorad Novković stressed the importance of introducing a modern judiciary, which is not only a condition for EU accession but which will also respond to the needs of citizens.

“We are proud that the EU has recognised the role and the efforts of the HJPC in enhancing the judiciary as part of the European integration process,” he said, adding that EU support has been an additional motivation.

Mr Novković concluded by saying that the EU can rely on the continued commitment and cooperation of the HJPC.