Message from Germany: Schmidt before the European Court of Human Rights jeopardises the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina

(Patria) - The Society for Threatened Peoples (GfbV) in Germany has criticised the actions of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt, regarding the case "Kovačević v. Bosnia and Herzegovina" before the European Court of Human Rights.

"Schmidt's current behaviour contradicts the mandate of the High Representative to ensure the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Agreement. By his own initiative intervention before the Grand Chamber of the ECtHR, he opposes the rule of law and impartiality, to which he is actually bound.

Instead, the High Representative should ensure the implementation of the Court's final judgments in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, which aim to end ethnic and political discrimination in Bosnia," said Jasna Čaušević, advisor for genocide prevention and the responsibility to protect (R2P) at the Society for Threatened Peoples.
"If he does not do so, Schmidt blocks Bosnia and Herzegovina's progress towards a democratic and equal society and contributes to the ethno-nationalist division of the country."

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and others, the Society calls, among other things, for respect for the principles of the rule of law and equality of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and condemns Schmidt's appearance before the ECtHR.

Čaušević also calls on the German government to resolutely advocate for the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

"Germany should use its position within the European Union, the United Nations and the Peace Implementation Council to insist on the implementation of all ECtHR judgments. The federal government should send clear diplomatic signals and publicly speak out against the challenge to the judgment 'Kovačević v. Bosnia and Herzegovina'."

Through an active and engaged approach, Germany can help ensure the rule of law and protection of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and prevent further destabilisation of the region.

The Society for Threatened Peoples calls on the German Federal Foreign Office to include the expertise of representatives of civil society, civil organisations and human rights activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina when making political decisions.

Adil Kulenović, President of Krug 99, emphasises the urgency of decisive action focused on human rights:

"We are convinced that Schmidt, by his own initiative testimony in Strasbourg, is trying to undermine the construction of a modern European Bosnian state and the restoration of traditional values of coexistence and a conflict-free society. This is contrary to European law.

We demand the appointment of a new High Representative who will advocate for the implementation of all ECtHR judgments and Venice Commission recommendations within the framework of the democratic transformation of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards a modern Bosnian state."