The Council of Europe decided to open an Office of the Secretariat of the Council of Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina in April 1996 in Sarajevo, based on Annex 6 (Agreement on Human Rights) to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed in Paris on 14 December 1995, under which it was to contribute to the establishment of the Human Rights Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina, help the Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman and appoint foreign judges in accordance with Annexes 4 and 7 to the Dayton Peace Agreement.

In addition to providing active assistance with the implementation of Annex 6 to the Framework Agreement, the task of the Office initially was to help prepare Bosnia and Herzegovina for reaching the standards necessary for full membership in the Council of Europe following the application it submitted in April 1995, and also to promote the values of the Council of Europe.

An exchange of letters between the Secretary General of the Council of Europe and the Foreign Affairs Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina led to an agreement concerning the status of the Office of the Secretariat of the Council of Europe in Sarajevo, as well as the status of Council of Europe officials and experts.

Over time the Office expanded its activities and today, in addition to the initial activities that have been accomplished, it covers more or less all areas in which the Council of Europe is active.