Press conference: 30th Anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ambassador Rick Holtzapple's speech at the press conference marking the 30th Anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Thirty Years of Presence, Purpose, and Partnership

Dear media representatives, 

thank you for gathering here today as we mark 30 years since the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina began its work in this country. We mark this anniversary with both pride and an awareness of on-going responsibilities that we carry.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in the aftermath of a devastating conflict, at a moment when institutions were fragile, trust was shattered, and the future was deeply uncertain. 

For the past three decades, the OSCE has done its utmost to address these and other critical post-war challenges.  We have carried out our work not as a temporary actor, but as a long-term, reliable partner.  Our core priorities have been and remain persistent: To strengthen peace, democracy, human rights, and security.

Thirty Years of Impact: From Post-Conflict Recovery to Democratic Institutions

Over the past 30 years, the OSCE Mission has supported some of the most substantial and lasting reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Our guests will tell you more about our achievements on elections, defense reform and parliamentary oversight, and the fight against corruption.  But let me note some of the other achievements. 

We assisted in restoring property rights to hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, laying the foundation for return and reconciliation.

We supported the development of public broadcasting and media regulatory frameworks, recognizing that free and independent media are essential to democratic life.

We helped strengthen co-operation among law enforcement agencies, improve border management, and address emerging threats such as cybercrime. 

These achievements are not abstract historical milestones, they are institutions and safeguards that continue to shape daily life for citizens across the country.

Human Rights, Justice, Trust building and Social Cohesion

Human rights protection has been at the heart of the OSCE Mission’s work since the very beginning. We have consistently advocated for equality before the law and stood with the most vulnerable members of society.

Our support of justice sector institutions has helped them transition to the fundamentally new criminal justice system adopted in 2004, where the rights of defendants better align with international standards in both law and practice. This has allowed the Mission to focus its work on supporting justice sector institutions in addressing both crimes rooted in the legacy of conflict and contemporary legal challenges, and in enabling better access to justice for victims of crimes, because justice must be impartial, efficient, and accessible to all.

Our work with victims includes long-standing support for victims of war crimes, working to reduce the risk of re-traumatization, strengthen psychological and legal support, improve access to justice, and enable the justice system to hold perpetrators to account for their crimes. To-date, some 800 domestic war crimes trials have been completed, making Bosnia and Herzegovina a leading light in delivering post-conflict justice through domestic war crimes trials. 

Noting the legacy of gender-based violence from the conflict, the Mission has worked with legislators, police, social welfare institutions, and civil society to enhance prevention, protection of victims, and accountability for perpetrators. We facilitated dialogue among women leaders across the political spectrum to advance women’s rights and promote greater parity in decision-making processes.

The Mission also helped BiH achieve more equal and non-discriminatory treatment of vulnerable people such as returnees, displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and members of minorities.

In parallel, the Mission prioritized trust-building as an essential foundation for genuine and durable peace and democratic resilience.  Working closely with civil society organizations, the Mission has empowered community actors to foster dialogue, and promote cooperation across community lines.

Education, Youth, and the Future

A proper education is a fundamental human right, and a strategic investment in the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The OSCE Mission has helped authorities develop a legislative framework for ensuring inclusive, and non-discriminatory education.

In connection, we are helping authorities, educators, and communities across BiH to develop curricula that build students’ skills and competencies. This will enable students to both succeed in life and help build a more democratic, socially cohesive, stable and secure country. 

Media Freedom 

A free, independent, and safe media environment is a vital component of a flourishing and democratic and accountable society.  The Mission has been a consistent voice calling out political pressure on journalists, intimidation, and restrictive legislation, such as the re-criminalization of defamation, which has – unfortunately – created a chilling effect on investigative reporting and public debate in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Democratic Integrity 

The Mission has supported legislative institutions at state, entity, cantonal, and local levels to strengthen transparent, accountable, and inclusive decision-making. Through capacity building, legislative assistance, and long-term dialogue with parliaments and assemblies, the Mission has contributed to improved oversight, greater transparency in legislative processes, and more meaningful participation of citizens in democratic governance.

Current Political Context: Risks and Responsibilities

This 30th anniversary takes place at a moment of yet another political challenge and some uncertainty. Let me be unequivocal: the OSCE remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Ultimately, responsibility for reform lies with domestic political leaders. International partners can support, advise, and accompany reform stakeholders, but they cannot replace political responsibility. What this country needs at the 30-year mark is leadership that prioritizes citizens over confrontation and long-term stability over short-term political gain.

Closing: Confidence in the Future

To the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, my message is simple: stay engaged, stay committed and hold to account institutions and officials that you’ve elected.  Most importantly – do note give up hope. I have met teachers, judges, police officers, activists, journalists, veterans, and young people who truly believe in democratic values and work every day to build a better future for all citizens. 

Much has been achieved, and much remains to be done. International civil servants such as I can support progress, but this country’s future belongs to you.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to be one of your most trusted partners.

Thank you.