Six local inter-agency coordination forums were organised in the period between May and November 2024 across Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss improving inter-agency cooperation in the admission and release processes of violent extremist prisoners.

Rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist prisoners, and other prisoners vulnerable to radicalisation, demands a holistic approach in order to acknowledge their needs while being aware of the societal risks. Therefore, the rehabilitation and reintegration practices need to be supported by a solid legal framework, regulations, and institutional cooperation to help maintain the legitimacy and effectiveness of these efforts.

With this in mind, the Council of Europe is supporting prison staff in Bosnia and Herzegovina to strengthen their capacities and protocols in managing and rehabilitating violent extremist prisoners and, in cooperation with local institutions, effectively reintegrating them into the society.

The six forums gathered 119 practitioners from 25 municipalities representing prisons, law enforcement agencies, justice ministries, social welfare centres, mental-health centres, and NGOs to broaden their understanding of information exchange practices concerning violent extremist prisoners and those exhibiting signs of radicalisation, as well as their penal and post-penal treatment. The discussions also offered valuable insights into the causes and dynamics of violent extremism, while identifying effective strategies for managing this category of inmates.

Furthermore, through examples and simulation exercises the participants examined the practical implementation of newly-developed standard operational procedures and protocols related to the admission of violent extremist prisoners, their time in prison, as well as their preparation for release.

The participants concluded that these activities are useful for understanding the roles of different institutions and enhanced awareness of the causes of violent extremism. They emphasized the need for the continuation of these efforts as they help enhance cross-sectoral cooperation and stronger collaboration at local government levels. In this respect, they highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships, including joint meetings involving prison staff, police, and social services.

These activities were implemented with the support of the local civil society organisation “Atlantska Iniciativa,” based on a grant agreement signed with the Council of Europe  under the framework of the Council of Europe action “Ensuring Sustainable Penitentiary Actions in managing rehabilitation of violent extremist prisoners in Bosnia and Herzegovina (ESPA-VEP)” funded under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.