USAID's Support for Brave and Responsible Prosecutors: An Individual Approach in the Fight Against Corruption

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project "Justice Against Corruption in BiH" gathered 33 prosecutors from Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Mostar, Bihać, and Zenica today who will undergo an innovative training program, tailored to the real and individual needs of prosecutors for a more effective fight against corruption.

Eric Nelson, the US Ambassador to BiH, expressed support for this training program and called on prosecutors to serve as an example to others with their results: "A prosecutor must be ready to serve as an example to others; they must possess courage, personal integrity, and immense dedication to this profession, and the training program being presented today is dedicated precisely to such individuals. Not everyone can do the job of a prosecutor, and we understand that in the fight against corruption, a prosecutor often feels alone, but the US government is ready to support such individuals, who need to know that they are not alone in this fight." - said the Ambassador.

It was emphasized at the meeting that in the existing system in BiH, success in prosecuting corruption, especially at high levels, often depends on the enthusiasm of brave individuals who possess the integrity and knowledge to perform their duties professionally and responsibly. It was also highlighted that the US is ready to support such individuals, as is being done through USAID's Justice Against Corruption in BiH project, USAID announced.

This project prioritizes work and improved efficiency in processing complex corruption cases whose excessive duration can jeopardize the right to a trial within a reasonable time and other fundamental human rights.

The goal of personalized support for prosecutors is to create a strong group of capable individuals who, based on voluntariness and a desire for professional growth, participate in a knowledge and skills-building program based on individual needs.

To date, the US government, primarily through USAID, has provided nearly $1.8 billion in assistance to support economic, democratic, and social progress in BiH.