When working with violent extremist offenders, specifics of different categories of offenders, including women and vulnerable groups of offenders, need to be considered. And these specifics should also be reflected in the tools and programmes that support the management, rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders.

With this in mind, the representatives of the justice ministries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and practitioners from penitentiary institutions gathered at the first working group (WG) meeting held on 14-15 May 2026 in Međugorje.

The aim of the WG meeting was to discuss the ways to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration approaches for women and vulnerable groups of violent extremist offenders, with a focus on developing more tailored and effective support measures.

The participants raised awareness and learned about different European practices related to gender-specific approaches and treatment of vulnerable groups of violent extremist offenders, such as offenders with drug addiction or mental health problems and exchanged experiences on challenges faced in everyday work with violent extremist offenders.

Equipped with additional knowledge, the WG members discussed the potential need for adaptation of existing tools and programmes to better reflect gender sensitive approaches and needs of vulnerable categories of violent extremist offenders.

The work of the WG will continue through the development of practical guidance and specialised tools aimed at supporting professionals working with women and vulnerable groups of violent extremist offenders across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The activity forms part of broader efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration responses in Bosnia and Herzegovina and support more effective prevention of radicalisation and reoffending.

The Council of Europe Project “Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) – Phase II” is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2026–2029 and funded through voluntary contributions.