Newsroom: Further strengthening the treatment of detained and sentenced persons in line with European standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anti-torture committee calls for zero tolerance of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In a report released on 27 January, the Council of Europe's Committee for the prevention of torture (CPT) calls on the state, entity and cantonal levels authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to issue a clear statement of zero tolerance of torture and ill-treatment of detainees, provide targeted...
Improving the culture of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Police Academies
Classrooms in the Police Academies for police cadets and junior inspectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to welcome back 24 of their lecturers and instructors, after a professional development programme on human rights safeguards. As part of the joint EU/Council of Europe programme, the...
European and World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October 2025: Joint statement by the High Representative of the European Union and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
The European Union and the Council of Europe strongly reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances. More than two-thirds of all countries have abolished the death penalty in law or in practice. In 2024, we welcomed the abolition of the death...
From admission to treatment: New training strengthens security staff in Sokolac Forensic Institution
Thirty security staff members at the Sokolac Forensic Institution have completed a new training programme designed to strengthen their role in safeguarding patient safety and upholding human rights. Over four days, on 2-5 September 2025, participants sharpened their skills in communication,...
Police cadets from Bosnia and Herzegovina are redefining the badge
In the training yards and classrooms of the Police Academy of the Federal Ministry of Interior in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a quiet revolution has been unfolding. Here, future officers are learning that the badge they will soon wear is more than a symbol of authority - it is a pledge to protect the...
Police professionals honour co-operation with Council of Europe in promoting human rights
Law enforcement officers from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in Sarajevo on 1 July 2025 to mark the Police Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring their commitment to public safety and community service. The highlight of the event was the prestigious “Golden Badge”...
Call for tenders for the provision of hardware equipment for Integrated Prison Management Information System in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council of Europe is looking for one provider (provided at least one tender meets the criteria) in order to support the implementation of the action “Further strengthening the treatment of detained and sentenced persons in line with European standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina” with a...
Council of Europe anti-torture committee warns about serious prison overcrowding and informal prisoner hierarchies in Europe
The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) today expressed serious concern about the significant increase in prison overcrowding in 2024, particularly in some Western European countries, and urged governments to address it with resolute measures. It also called on...
Advancing professional skills for improved policing in line with human rights standards
During a two-day training programme in Tuzla, police trainers in Bosnia and Herzegovina refined their communication and presentation skills to better equip them for training cadets on conducting structured interviews and managing public order in accordance with international human rights...
Software to support a more efficient system of treatment of prisoners launched for the beneficiaries of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
For the first time in a prison of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation an Integrated Prison Management Information System (IPMIS) was put into function. This prison software together with the procurement of hardware equipment was developed with the support of the EU and Council of Europe...
Police managers in Bosnia - Herzegovina affirm manuals on interviewing and public gatherings
The new methodology for conducting police interviews and operational procedures for policing public gatherings were the key issues discussed at the meeting of 55 most senior police officials at their 3rd annual co-ordination meeting held on 16-17 May 2023 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)....
Police officers’ human rights training skills verified in Bosnia and Herzegovina
A group of 10 law enforcement officers was certified to deliver human rights- based training in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16-17 April 2024, in Sarajevo. This activity is a part of an internal accreditation scheme developed in close co-operation with the cantonal and entity Ministries of Interior...
Senior police officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina intensify efforts to prevent and respond to ill-treatment
Different ways to prevent impunity and promptly respond to allegations of ill-treatment while ensuring that rights of detainees are properly protected throughout the deprivation of liberty were the key issues discussed at the meeting of 52 most senior police officials at the meeting held on 16-17...
Exhange of experiences on the Recruitment, Training and Professional Development of Prison and Probation Staff among European colleagues
The mission of staff of prison services and probation agencies is to contribute to public safety by ensuring safe, secure and humane management of detainees and the provision of opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration. In addition to their professional status, staff of penitentiary and...
Monitoring body
European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
About the CPT
country page
Text of the convention
European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
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Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo
Marica BENDER
Senior Project Officer
Nejla Sahačić
Project Assistant
Council of Europe
Cooperation in Police and Deprivation of Liberty
Joint programme
Horizontal Facility