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Rape and other forms of sexual violence against women were widespread during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Despite the conflict ending more than 13 years ago, successive governments have consistently failed to bring those responsible to justice and to ensure survivors’ access to an effective remedy. The BiH authorities have also failed to provide survivors of rape and other forms of sexual violence with reparation, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction and guarantees of non-repetition. 

Many perpetrators of war crimes of sexual violence continue to enjoy impunity and often live in the same communities as their victims. This contributes to continuing trauma and other psychological problems for survivors of these crimes. Moreover, psychological support is often not available and access to health services limited, especially for women in remote areas of the country. Many survivors are unemployed and live in poverty and cannot afford even prescribed medicines. The issue of rape remains a taboo in BiH and survivors of this crime continue to be stigmatized by society.

This report documents how the BiH authorities have violated a wide range of rights of the survivors of rape and other forms of sexual violence. It concludes with a set of recommendations which, if implemented, would enhance the protection of women survivors of war crimes of sexual violence in BiH

AI Index: EUR 63/006/2009

Date published: 30/09/2009

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