USAID's Justice Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quarterly Report — Y4Q1

The project aims to help justice sector institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina effectively combat government corruption, prosecute serious crimes, and build public trust. The initiative has two main components: Component 1 focuses on strengthening the professional status and performance of prosecutor offices (POs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Component 2 aims to strengthen the country's justice sector institutions to uphold public integrity and combat corruption. The project works in partnership with key actors and stakeholders in the justice systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC), partner courts and POs, and ministries of justice. Specific activities include partnership programs with each PO, providing individual assistance to prosecutors, supporting the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) to enhance ethical standards and integrity, and preparing in-depth diagnostic assessments of key issues. During the quarter from October 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017, the project signed Prosecutor Partnership Program (PPP) agreements with five new POs, bringing the total number of POs engaged by the project to 19. The project also provided on-site training to prosecutors in Bihać on the subject of collecting evidence in cases of misuse of public procurement. Additionally, the project continued its work with former partner POs to ensure continued progress on improving prosecutorial techniques. The project finalized three analyses that aim to identify gaps and weaknesses in the prosecutorial system and practice. These analyses include Asset Forfeiture, the System for Engaging Expert Witnesses in Cases of Corruption and Organized and Economic Crime, and Selected Verdicts in Cases of Corruption and Economic Crime. The project also delivered its final two trainings in the Specialized Training Program for Prosecutors working on organized and economic crime, which were developed to enhance prosecutors' skills in drafting indictments and dealing with high-profile media cases. The project's work in this quarter has contributed to the advancement of the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina by ensuring that the prosecutorial system functions in a professional, efficient, and accountable manner. The project's activities have also helped to build public trust in the justice system and have contributed to the country's efforts to combat government corruption and prosecute serious crimes. The project's partnership with the HJPC, partner courts and POs, and ministries of justice has been instrumental in achieving its goals. The project's work has also been supported by a wide range of international and national experts who provide specialized expertise. The project's local team of national legal experts with in-depth knowledge of the Bosnia and Herzegovina judicial system has played a crucial role in implementing the project's activities. The project's progress towards its goals has been significant, and its activities have contributed to the advancement of the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project's continued work in the coming quarters will focus on building on the progress made and addressing the remaining challenges in the country's justice sector.