Press Release - Special Briefing on Maintaining Bosnia’s Sovereignty, Peace, and Security
On 16 Oct 2025, the Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes published a policy briefing on the critical threats facing Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) and the immediate steps the UK Government should take to reaffirm the rule of law and respect for human rights in BiH, and to maintain peace and stability consistent with the Dayton Peace Agreement (14 December 1995). These measures are specifically concerned with preventing instability which could lead to the re-occurrence of conflict and relatedly atrocity crimes, which is even more salient given that this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, as well as the ratification of the peace negotiated at Dayton.
On 22 Oct 2025, the UK Government will host the London Leaders’ Summit for the six Western Balkans States plus European partners, under the Berlin Process. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold its semi-annual debate on BiH in early Nov 2025 where the main agenda item will be the vote to reauthorize the EU-led multinational stabilisation force (EUFOR Althea), as its current mandate expires on 2 Nov 2025. Discussions are also expected to focus on the country's political situation, particularly regarding the Office of the High Representative (OHR) and its continued mandate.
The Standing Group commissioned the special briefing as part of its discretionary mandate to intervene in situations of grave concern where they relate to the risk of atrocity crimes impacting international peace and security. Bosnia faces real existential risks. There is the prospect that the former President, Milorad Dodik, of one entity, Republika Srpska, will declare secession, which was a primary reason for the 1992-95-armed conflict and resulting atrocities. Nationalist governments in neighbouring countries continue to pursue predatory policies in respect of BiH, and Russia is strongly supporting destabilisation. Russia is also being encouraged by Dodik to veto the renewal of the stabilisation force at the UNSC in Nov 2025 and disband the OHR despite the relevant criteria not being met. Internally, ethno-nationalist politicians incentivised by the Dayton Constitution are tainted by endemic corruption and create the conditions for political, social and economic stagnation through division and discrimination; there is little legitimacy of such elites in representing the majority of the people who remain, unlike ethno-nationalist elites, open, accommodating and democratic. Participatory, inclusive and deliberative reform remains elusive.
The risk of a lapse into violence triggers obligations to deter or prevent international wrongful acts especially for external and influential States, such as the UK which for 30 years has stabilised post-war Bosnia by leading NATO peacekeeping efforts, supporting reconstruction, and backing democratic and judicial reforms to promote long-term security and reconciliation.
The Standing Group identifies four policies that the UK Government is urged to consider based on its historic engagement in BiH: i. Deploying international peace-keeping support to BiH; ii. Supporting the development of a new social contract; iii. Contributing to independent peace-building initiatives; and iv. Undertaking an urgent 360-degree policy and security review. There is a future for BiH that is inclusive, participatory and peaceful; one led by Bosnians themselves. It is a historic opportunity for peacemakers both in the UK and the vast majority of non-ethno-nationalists in BiH: to help create a process, whereby actors are incentivised to pursue moderate, inclusive, and rule of law-oriented reform, at this critical juncture.
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Policy Note Title: “Critical Preventative Measures: Maintaining Bosnia’s Sovereignty, Peace, and Security.” Issued by: Executive Committee, Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes. Date: 16 Oct 2025. Authors: Aarif Abraham, Dr Kurt Bassuener, Dr Valery Perry.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
The Standing Group on Atrocity Crimes is an independent initiative dedicated to urgently strengthening the United Kingdom’s approach to atrocity prevention and response. It comprises a group of leading international lawyers and cross-party parliamentarians and policy advisers. The Standing Group makes timely, impactful, and expert recommendations to government officials, policymakers, and civil society to bring the UK Government closer to creating a comprehensive framework to prevent and respond to international crimes.
Committee Chair: Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC
Advisory Board Chair: Rotating
Executive Committee Members, as of 14 Oct 2025, include:
Prof. Payam Akhavan, Prof. Christine Chinkin, Dr. Federica D’Alessandra, Dr. Fernand De Varennes, Alistair Fernie, Andrew Gilmour CMG, Wayne Jordash KC, Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC (Chair), Oleksandra Matviichuk, Jason McCue, Rupert Skilbeck, Dr. Ewelina Ochab (Convener), and Aarif Abraham (Convener)
Advisory Board Members, as of 14 Oct 2025, include:
Lord David Alton KCSG, Lord Alfred Dubs, Richard Foord MP, Baroness Arminka Helić, Baroness Fiona Hodgson CBE, Blair McDougall MP (ex offcio), Brendan O’Hara MP, Baroness Liz Sugg CBE, David Taylor MP, Melanie Ward MP, Luke de Pulford, and James Jennion
Conveners: Aarif Abraham & Dr Ewelina Ochab
Contact / Correspondence:
FAO Secretariat of the Standing Group,
Website: https://www.atrocitystandinggroup.org
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