Bosnia and Herzegovina - February 2025

On 4 March, the Parliament of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), one of the country’s two federal entities, passed amendments to the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. Introduced by the entity’s Justice Ministry, these amendments aim to enhance support for victims of domestic violence and violence against women by establishing a 24-hour SOS hotline that provides anonymous advice across FBiH. The amendments ensure that women are also protected outside of marriage, and that children who are present in the room during an act of violence are recognised as victims. Additionally, the changes tackle impunity for domestic and gender-based violence by granting police greater authority to intervene and detain suspects, as well as to monitor offenders with electronic bracelets. This allows police to track abusers who have been given a restraining order.  

Sources: OSCE, Balkan Insight, Sarajevo Times, Radio Slobodna Evropa