Institutions and practitioners in Bosnia and Herzegovina are stepping up efforts 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.

As part of these efforts, representatives of the justice ministries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with professionals from penitentiary institutions, gathered at the first working group meeting held on 14-15 May 2026 in Međugorje.

The inaugural meeting focused on European practices related to gender-sensitive approaches and the treatment of vulnerable groups of violent extremist offenders, including people with drug addictions and mental health issues. Participants also discussed common challenges faced by professionals working directly with violent extremist offenders in prison and rehabilitation settings.

The working group was established in response to the recognised need to adapt existing rehabilitation tools and programmes to better reflect the specific needs of women and vulnerable groups. Its future work will focus on developing practical guidance and specialised tools to support professionals working in this area.

These efforts form part of broader work 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.