(Sarajevo, 23 October 2020) – More than 10 students from the University of Sarajevo and University of Istočno Sarajevo had the opportunity to familiarise with the functioning of the justice system in BiH through a workshop on „Independence of the Judiciary! Independence of whom, independence from whom and independence from what?“. The workshop was organised within the framework of the IPA project „Building an Effective and Citizen-friendly Judiciary“, funded by the European Union, to mark the European Civil Justice Day 2020.

Ranka Račić, a professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Istočno Sarajevo, spoke about the importance of judicial independence and the significance of citizen‘s - particularly the youth’s - interest in justice reform issues. Edin Bičo, a judge of the Municipal Court in Visoko, Olovo branch, and Kees van der Weide, a judge from the Netherlands who currently works as a Senior Legal Adviser on EU integration matters at the HJPC BiH, shared stories from practice about the importance of independence for the daily work of a judge.

The students provided their views on the current situation of the BiH judiciary and expressed their interest to be involved in further discussions on the subject matter. The final conclusion was that the judiciary in BiH must be independent, accountable and serve the citizens. The fundamental concept of judicial independence exists foremost for the benefit of all citizens.

„Participation in non-formal education, which aims to empower us young people to get more involved in the further development of a democratic society and decision-making processes, is an important aspect of individual and social progress. Opening government institutions and bringing them closer to citizens, especially to young people, will result in greater confidence in their work and efficiency.

Today's workshop is a good initiative towards bringing the HJPC BiH closer to the citizens and achieving mutual exchange, which is why I am particularly glad that I, together with other students, are able to contribution in that“, said Amna Tuzović, MA  Political Science graduate and future doctoral student at the University of Sarajevo.

European Civil Justice Day is celebrated every year during the last week of October. It aims to bring the justice system closer to citizens, i.e. to give them the opportunity to better understand their rights, as well as how to exercise and protect them through the justice system.

For more information, please contact: Dalila Hadžić, Communication and Visibility Officer - IPA Support to the BiH Judiciary, at 033 704 601.