The Council of Europe is continuing to support the institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina towards effective reintegration of persons who have served prison sentences for crimes related to violent extremism through a new one-year project which builds on previous efforts that focused on improving institutional management and rehabilitation of such offenders.

The launching event of the project “Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) - Phase I”  was held on 18 February 2025 in Konjic. It brought together representatives of the three ministries of justice, the Ministry of Security, prisons (Mostar, Bijeljina, Zenica, Foča, State Prison), law enforcement agencies, social welfare centres, and mental health centres. The wide participation reflects the importance of the multi-disciplinary approach in rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders with an aim to enhance the safety and security of BiH citizens.

Addressing the participants, Donche Boshkovski of the Council of Europe’s Cooperation in Police and Deprivation of Liberty Division underscored the Council of Europe’s vital role in providing expert assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the leading European organisation with an extensive and recognised reputation in human rights protection—particularly concerning prisons, probation services, and law enforcement—the Council of Europe will continue working with BiH authorities, prison facilities, mental health and social welfare institutions, and civil society organisations to align practices with European standards and monitoring mechanisms.

Participants agreed that the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders requires the engagement of the entire society and confirmed their commitment to continue building on the results achieved thus far. They underscored the need to continue working on the wellbeing of prison staff, noting that similar approaches should be considered for law enforcement agencies. The existing strategic and policy documents should be implemented on all levels simultaneously to ensure continued sustainability and local ownership.

Following the launching event, the project’s Steering Committee held its first official meeting. The Committee discussed possible additional needs by prisons in case of the return of BiH nationals (women and men) from foreign battlefields, and ways to best utilize existing knowledge. It also adopted the implementation plan and methodologies.

Project “Providing for effective reintegration of violent extremist offenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PER-VEO) - Phase I” is funded under the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022-2025.