Post-war justice and reconciliation in the region of former Yugoslavia

The dissolution of the former Yugoslavia was accompanied by three major wars: in Croatia (1991-1995), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995) and Kosovo* (1998-1999). In addition, there were two smaller-scale, shorter conflicts in Slovenia (June-July 1991) and in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (January-August 2001). These conflicts were marked by gross human rights violations, including ‘ethnic cleansing’ and atrocities unseen in Europe since World War II.

The legacy of this violent past still lingers across the region of former Yugoslavia endangering the full enjoyment of human rights, democracy and rule of law. The return to normalcy has been slow and major obstacles remain. The lack of a systematic approach across the region to tackle past gross human rights violations has resulted in impunity and the erosion of rule of law. Concerning war-related criminal proceedings, witness protection systems remain limited in their capacity and reportedly fail to inspire confidence and trust among existing and potential witnesses. War victims do not have access to adequate, effective or proportionate reparation for the harms they have suffered.

During his country visits and continuous dialogue with national authorities and civil society in the region, the Commissioner takes note of the progress achieved. He also identifies obstacles to the effective resolution of the pending issues concerning post-war justice and reconciliation and provides advice on ways to ensure the respect for human rights and thereby durable peace in the region of former Yugoslavia. (More)

Other versions

Marguš v. Croatia, judgment of 13 November 2012, concerning the application of amnesty on a war-related crimes case (not final)

Kurić and others v. Slovenia, Grand Chamber judgment of 26 June 2012, concerning the ‘erased’ persons

Janowiec and others v. Russia, judgment of 16 April 2012, concerning missing persons in the Katyń case

Palić v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, judgment of 15 February 2011, concerning a state's procedural obligation to investigate into a case of missing person

Jularić v. Croatia, judgment of 20 January 2011, concerning inadequate and ineffective investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing of the applicant's husband

Skendžić and Krznarić v. Croatia, judgment of 20 January 2011, concerning ineffectiveness and the lack of independence of the authorities involved in investigating the disappearance of the applicants’ close relative

Sejdić and Finci v. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Grand Chamber judgment of 22 December 2009, concerning the applicants’ ineligibility to stand for election to the House of Peoples and the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the ground of their Roma and Jewish origin