The Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an independent institution ensuring the protection of rights of individuals and legal entities, in accordance with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and international human rights instruments adhered to.

The Ombudsman handles complaints related to the poor functioning of or the human rights violations committed by any authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its entities and District Brčko. The cases are opened following complaints filed by individuals or legal entities, or ex officio. If it is determined that a violation of rights has occurred, the Ombudsman issues a recommendation to the competent bodies for restoring the human rights violation or addressing the poor functioning of administration.

The Ombudsman also has other additional mandates, in accordance with the Antidiscrimination Law, the Freedom of Information Act and Ministerial, Council of Ministers and other Appointments Law.

 

» Download our infosheet on economic and social rights in situations of (post-)conflict featuring good practice of the NHRI of Bosnia and Herzegovina

» Learn about the work of the NHRI of Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing economic and social rights 

» Learn about our peer-exchange programme the NHRI of Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in

» Read: NHRI staff visit the Banja Luka office of the Ombudsmen of Bosnia and Herzegovina

NHRI of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a member of the following Working Groups:

NHRI of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a participating institution in our Project on the Role of NHRIs in Situations of Conflict and Post-Conflict.

Head(s) of institution

  • Dr. Nevenko Vranješ, Ombudsperson of BaH
  • Dr. Jasminka Džumhur, Ombudsman BaH
  • Nives Jukić, Ombudsperson of BaH

Website

www.ombudsmen.gov.ba

Address

Akademika Jovana Surutke no. 13

78 000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Year of establishment

1996

Accreditation status

A

Year of first accreditation

2001

Year of last accreditation

2015

Number of staff

56

Regional offices

  • Main Office: Banja Luka
  • Regional offices Sarajevo, Mostar, Distrikt Brcko
  • Field office Livno

Mandate(s)

  • Ombuds
  • Equality Body
  • National Preventive Mechanism under OPCAT Art. 3 (NPM)
  • Monitoring body under Freedom of Information Act

Core functions

  • Monitoring
  • Publishing research, recommendations, opinions
  • Reporting to international and regional human rights mechanisms
  • Complaints handling
  • Legal assistance (but not free legal aid)
  • Advising government, parliament and other public bodies
  • Supporting the work of human rights defenders
  • Cooperation with civil society organisations
  • Human rights education and training
  • Awareness raising activities