Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina
BiH Ombudsman
Summary
The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH is an independent constitutional body established under the 2002 Law on Ombudsman for Human Rights (Official Gazette 19/2002, amended 35/2004, 32/2006, 61/2023). It investigates complaints against all government bodies including police, and refers findings to the responsible agency or prosecutor — it has no direct disciplinary authority. Since the 2023 amendment (Official Gazette 61/2023, in force September 2023), the Institution also serves as the National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT, with a mandate to conduct regular visits to police custody, prisons, immigration detention, and psychiatric facilities.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Case-by-case |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Law on Ombudsman for Human Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Citation
- Official Gazette of BiH, no. 19/2002; as amended by 35/2004, 32/2006, 61/2023
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its entities (Federation BiH, Republika Srpska) and Brčko District, including law enforcement agencies at all levels; additionally designated as National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for places of deprivation of liberty under OPCAT since September 2023.