Panel Discussion "Adoption of New Law on Protection against Domestic Violence in FBiH" held in I. Sarajevo

Today (December 9, 2019), a panel discussion was held in the official premises of the State Investigation and Protection Agency in I. Sarajevo on the cubject "Adoption of the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence in FBiH", which was attended by about 20 policewomen from police agencies from all over B&H. The panel discussion, as an advocacy activity, was organized within the 16th day of women's activism, within the project "Supporting a Secure Network" funded by the OAK Foundation.

The "Policewomen's Network" Association, as a member of the Safe Network, organized the panel to develop a discussion on new legal solutions for sustainable support for victims of domestic violence in the Federation of B&H and to raise awareness of the need to make certain legislative changes.

In this way, the Association contributed to the adoption of the new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence in the FB&H, which would give victims of violence more effective protection against violence. The new legal framework was developed by the Working Group established by the B&H Safe Network, in accordance with international standards, notably the Istanbul Convention on the Prevention and Suppression of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which has been ratified by state institutions and is binding for institutions at all levels of government.

The panel discussion highlighted significant provisions of the Istanbul Convention in terms of improving the protection of victims of domestic violence and the proposed changes. They also discussed the current situation in B&H when it comes to domestic violence, both in general and from the perspective of police agencies.

The aim of today's discussion is to convey the message to all relevant institutions that it is necessary to accept the initiative as soon as possible and include in the work plan of the House of Representatives of the FBiH Parliamentary Assembly for 2020 the adoption of a new Law on Protection against Domestic Violence, which ensures more effective support and protection against domestic violence.