High Representative Resolves FBiH Internal Affairs Law Deadlock

The High Representative, Paddy Ashdown, today issued a Decision harmonising the texts of the Law on Internal Affairs of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The High Representative issued this Decision following close consultation with, and support from, the FBiH Government. This legislation replaces the existing FBiH Law on Internal Affairs, introducing international standards with regard respect of human rights and is one of the post accession requirements set by the Council of Europe.

The High Representative issued this Decision recognising that the FBiH Law on Internal Affairs has been passed by both Houses of the FBiH Parliament in July, though the legal harmonisation process remains unresolved. Both the High Representative and the Federation Government agree that the implementation of this Law should not be delayed further. The new Law on Internal Affairs itself defines the organisation, management and competence of the FBiH Ministry of Interior, putting in place a Director of Police, a professional police officer who will guide police operations.

The High Representative announced at the start of his mandate that developing the rule of law is essential for BiH’s future. This modern Law on Internal Affairs provides the police with the tools to combat terrorism, trafficking and organised crime, whilst at the same time respecting international standards in human rights.