Law and criminology students from Bosnia and Herzegovina complete OSCE workshop on international criminal law and transitional justice

SARAJEVO, 25 September 2017 - A group of 20 law and criminology students from seven universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) completed in Sarajevo today the second annual edition of the OSCE Mission’s Extracurricular Workshop on International Criminal Law and Transitional Justice.  

The workshop provided students with an opportunity to learn from eminent legal practitioners and transitional justice professionals. Over the course of eight days, the workshop focused on skills-based training in the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of war crimes cases. Trainers in the workshop were judges, prosecutors, attorneys, witness support officers, and investigators.

The concluding activity of the workshop was a mock trial held at the Court of BiH and presided over by Judge Minka Kreho, where students practiced their trial advocacy skills and applied the skills they gained during the workshop.  

“Students lack sufficient opportunities for gaining practical experience in applying principles of international criminal law prior to their graduation from law school and entry into the judiciary,” said Head of the Human Dimension Department of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Fermin Cordoba. “This workshop was an excellent opportunity for them to acquire crucial practical legal knowledge so that they can be prepared for their future professional engagement.”

Azem Ahmić, a fourth year law student at the University of Zenica said:  “For young people, particularly lawyers who pursue their professional career in a transitional society, it is of utmost importance to learn about international experiences. It was very interesting to hear from experts in this field and participate in a mock criminal investigation through all its phases.”

Minela Balta, enrolled in a Masters of Law programme at the Faculty of Law of the University of Sarajevo, stressed the significance of this workshop as a unique opportunity for students. “We are in a position to gain first-hand experience in the processing of war crimes cases and improve our knowledge of international legislation in this field,” she said.