OSCE Mission to BiH concludes roundtable discussion series on new juvenile justice legislation in Republika Srpska

SARAJEVO, 26 November 2010 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded today in Trebinje and Doboj a series of roundtable discussions held across Republika Srpska (RS) on a new juvenile justice law, governing the protection and treatment of juveniles accused or who are victims of crimes, which will enter into force on 1 January 2011.

Representatives of the judiciary, police, social welfare centers and other relevant institutions and non-governmental organizations attended the events, intended to raise awareness about the changes taking place and prepare relevant stakeholders for implementing the law.

"The RS legislature has recognized European standards and rights of children and incorporated them into the new law," said Sasa Bojanic, Legal Adviser to the OSCE Mission in BiH, emphasizing the importance of investing additional efforts to ensure the full implementation of the new normative framework. "We have to work together on improving co-ordination between relevant actors who respond to juvenile offences so that minors receive adequate protection, assistance, support and sanctions, when necessary."

The roundtable events will be followed by advocacy meetings with relevant Republika Srpska institutions in coming months.