Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina
BiH Ombudsman
Summary
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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.