This project seeks to strengthen the response of the justice system in Bosnia and Herzegovina to gender-based violence and domestic violence by promoting standardized prosecutorial practices, enhancing multi-sectoral cooperation, and improving the protection of victims in line with the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) and European Union standards.
The Foundation of Local Democracy is implementing a nationwide initiative aimed at developing and advocating for the adoption of mandatory prosecutorial guidelines for handling cases of gender-based violence. The project also focuses on improving the use of the Case Management System (CMS) to strengthen case monitoring and analysis, while fostering closer cooperation among prosecutor’s offices, law enforcement agencies, and specialized civil society organizations providing support to victims.
Key project outputs include analytical reports, a policy paper, standardized prosecutorial guidelines, CMS guidance for prosecutors, and practical guidelines for civil society organizations. In addition, the project will facilitate consultative meetings and a strategic forum bringing together key justice-sector stakeholders to support dialogue and institutional coordination.
Through targeted communication and advocacy activities, the project will promote greater transparency and accountability within the justice system and contribute to strengthening public confidence in institutions responsible for addressing gender-based violence.
As the first initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina to pursue the establishment of unified prosecutorial standards for handling cases of gender-based violence, including its digital dimension, the project represents an important step towards ensuring a more consistent and victim-centred prosecutorial response. Ultimately, it will contribute to stronger victim protection, more consistent implementation of the law, and the advancement of the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project is implemented by the Foundation of Local Democracy with the financial support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
