Protocol on Handling Rape Cases Signed in Sarajevo Canton

(Patria) - A Protocol on Handling Rape Cases, the first of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was signed today in Sarajevo Canton.

This document establishes an institutional framework based on a multidisciplinary approach, aiming at prevention, timely detection, effective prosecution, and providing professional support and adequate protection to victims of rape.

The Protocol was signed by the Minister of Health of Sarajevo Canton Enis Hasanović, the Minister of Labour, Social Policy, Displaced Persons and Refugees Enda Pavić-Pečenković, the Minister of Internal Affairs Admir Katica, the Chief Prosecutor of the Sarajevo Canton Prosecutor's Office Meliha Dugalija, the Assistant Director of the Public Institution General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš" Lejla Vidović, the Director of the Public Institution Center for Social Work of Sarajevo Canton Draženka Osmanspahić, and the Executive Director of the Foundation of Local Democracies Jasmina Mujezinović. The signing was also attended by the Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić.

- This protocol is the foundation of our joint action. Through it, we establish a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach, with clearly defined procedures, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms. This ensures that no case gets lost in the system, that every step is timely and professional, and that the victim is protected, heard, and respected.

I especially want to emphasize that with this document, we are directly implementing the obligations from the Istanbul Convention, strengthening protection standards, and creating prerequisites for better coordination of all institutions and organizations involved in this process - emphasized Minister Hasanović after the signing.

He added that an important step forward was made today, as this protocol created the conditions for better protection of victims, but also for strengthening trust in the institutions of Sarajevo Canton.

- This is a responsibility we are taking on, aware of the gravity of the problem, but also ready to face it - stressed Hasanović.

Minister Pavić-Pečenković stated that this activity is another indicator of how aware the Government of Sarajevo Canton is that the victim must always be the focus and that a way must be found to help protect them, regardless of the type of violence.

- It is very important to emphasize the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation. After three years of joint work, we are ready to act in accordance with the Istanbul Convention, to which our country is also a signatory - stated the minister.

The protocol coordinates the work of key institutions of the system and civil society organizations in Sarajevo Canton, creating a unified, connected, and clear mechanism for handling cases of one of the most severe forms of violence.

- Regarding the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Sarajevo Canton - Police Administration, we have summarized within this protocol what is essentially already being done within police powers and duties, and what police officers responsible for this topic undertake - said Minister Katica.

He emphasized that it is important to sign such a protocol so that all those involved in these processes - the Prosecutor's Office, the police, healthcare workers, social workers, psychologists, the non-governmental sector know the role of all bodies in these processes and, accordingly, are more effective in their actions, prosecution of this criminal offense, and primarily in the protection of rape victims.

- We in the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office have understood the significance of multidisciplinary action when it comes to this type of criminal offense. This protocol places the victim's status in focus, and that is exactly what we wanted to achieve. Victims will have special significance in both health and criminal proceedings - said prosecutor Dugalija.

One of the most significant innovations is the establishment of the first center for the support of rape victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Through the opening of a specialized clinic at the General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakaš" in Sarajevo, this center will provide integrated medical, psychological, social, and legal support to victims, and enable more effective coordination of protection entities, including civil society organizations - said, among others, Dr. Armina Rovčanin-Osmanović, who will work in the mentioned center with rape victims.

The common conclusion of all actors in today's important activity is that by signing this protocol, Sarajevo Canton is establishing a modern, multi-sectoral model of protection and support for rape victims, and sending a strong message about institutional commitment to the fight against sexual violence.