Continuing its support for legal professionals in Bosnia and Herzegovina in enhancing access to justice for victims of human trafficking, the Council of Europe held a two-day training session in Konjic focusing on the rights of trafficking victims in criminal proceedings.

Organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 22-23 April 2025, the training brought together 20 legal professionals from across the country. The event was opened by Assistant Justice Minister Sanela Latić.

International legal expert Ivana Roagna led sessions on international legal standards and the strategic application of the European Convention on Human Rights in trafficking-related cases, with a particular focus on the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. She also contributed to the debriefing of mock trials and provided case studies and checklists to strengthen participants' practical understanding.

Ahmed Mešić, Prosecutor at the Prosecutor’s Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented the domestic legal framework, outlining distinctions between related criminal offences and available victim support mechanisms. He also prepared legal exercises and quizzes to help participants identify elements of human trafficking under BiH law.

Training Coordinator Bojana Jovanović facilitated interactive sessions and mock trials, while Emir Prcanović, Director of the NGO Vaša Prava BiH, shared insights into the real needs and rights of victims in legal proceedings, based on his extensive field experience.

The training fostered dynamic discussion and highlighted key challenges, including delayed victim identification, limited access to interpreters, and gaps in institutional cooperation. Participants underlined the value of practical tools and case-based learning in improving their ability to support victims effectively.

The project “Strengthening access to justice and effective remedies for victims of human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025 and funded through voluntary contributions.