OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina marks its 20th anniversary

SARAJEVO, 31 December 2015 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina marked 20 years of its presence in the country this month, with the OSCE’s senior officials reflecting on the achievements and challenges faced by the Mission over the last two decades.

The Mission was established on 8 December 1995, taking shape from the tasking it received in the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the 1992-1995 war.

“The OSCE came to Bosnia and Herzegovina 20 years ago to assist the country in rebuilding peace. This peace-building process made us realise how important reconciliation and confidence building are, and that real progress is possible,” said OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier. “In the context of today’s security challenges, it is more important than ever to maintain this peace and for all to join forces to advance the country’s political and economic potential.”

With more than 300 staff in Sarajevo and in field offices across the country, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is today the OSCE’s third-biggest Field Operation. The Mission’s principal aim is to promote stability and reconciliation while assisting BiH on its path to regional, political, economic and social integration. Its activities seek to foster systems of education, governance, and justice that uphold human rights and the rule of law for all citizens.

“Two decades ago, the Dayton Peace Agreement put an end to a devastating conflict and entrusted the OSCE with crucial responsibilities to advance security, democracy and human rights in the country,” said Ambassador Marcel Peško, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre. “It was an enormous challenge given the uncertain post-conflict environment of Bosnia and Herzegovina. There have been many challenges and lessons learned, but overall it has been a success.”

Since September 2014, Ambassador Jonathan Moore has headed the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has continued the tradition of building strong ties between the Mission and BiH’s citizens and officials.

“The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has helped advance a number of key processes, including election and defence reform,” said Ambassador Moore. “My colleagues in the field offices across the country, as well as my predecessors have worked throughout the years with authorities and citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic processes. In the years to come we would like to see more effort and more accountability from all in making Bosnia and Herzegovina a better place for all its citizens.”

“The OSCE Mission remains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as partner and friend, to assist the country in making progress possible. We hope that 2016 will bring more positive developments in and for Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he concluded.