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Date: April 28, 2024 Sun
Time: 7:41 am
bosnia and herzegovina
Time: 7:41 am
bosnia and herzegovina
Results for bosnia and herzegovina
40 total results foundAuthor: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction Title: Bosnia and Herzegovina: County Overview 2009 Summary: This country overview provides a structured synopsis of the trends and characteristics of national drug problems in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2009. It consists of a summary of the national drug situation presenting brief information in key areas - drug prevalence, prevention, harm reduction, drug laws, etc. Details: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2009. 39p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Shelf Number: 119125 |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Statistics and Surveys Section Title: Business, Corruption and Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The impact of bribery and other crime on private enterprise Summary: This survey of private businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina reveals that corruption and other forms of crime are a great hindrance to private enterprise and have a negative effect on private investment. A significant percentage of businesses pay bribes to public officials repeatedly over the course of the year. Businesses in the Building and Construction sector are those most affected by bribery, followed by businesses in the Transportation and Storage sector. The public officials with the highest risk of bribery in interactions with businesses are health authorities, police officers, customs officers and judges/prosecutors. While indicators of corruption perceptions are undoubtedly useful for raising awareness, this survey measures the actual experience of corruption and crime through representative sample surveys of businesses in order to provide a more realistic, evidence-based assessment of corruption and crime affecting the business sector. In so doing it focuses on the extent and pattern of bribery by businesses from five different sectors (accounting for 66.8 per cent of all businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina) in their frequent interactions with the public administration. According to the survey, of all the businesses that had contact with a public official in the 12 months prior to the survey 10.4 per cent paid a bribe to a public official. The average prevalence of business bribery in Bosnia and Herzegovina is lower than the share of ordinary citizens (20.7 per cent) who experienced the same in UNODC's 2011 general population survey. The examination of the experience of businesses that pay bribes to public officials underlines the fact that corruption plays a role in the daily business of many companies. Bribe-paying businesses pay an average of 6.6 bribes per year, or about one bribe every eight weeks. The prevalence of bribery is substantially higher among small (10 to 49 employees) businesses than among businesses of other sizes. A substantial share of all the bribes paid to public officials by businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina are paid in cash (46.6 per cent), followed by the provision of food and drink (29 per cent) and the exchange of one "favour" for another (11.4 per cent). When bribes are paid in cash, the mean amount paid per bribe is 318 BAM, or the equivalent of 327 EUR-PPP. As for which party actually broaches the subject of kickbacks, in about 15.8 per cent of all bribery cases the payment of a bribe is offered by a representative of the business without a prior request being made, whereas in around over two thirds (70.2 per cent) of cases payment is either explicitly (26.8 per cent) or implicitly (20.4 per cent) requested by the public official. In a further 23 per cent of cases, bribes are paid after a third-party request. The most common purposes for paying bribes cited by businesses is to "speed up business-related procedures" (29.1 per cent of all bribes), "making the finalization of a procedure possible" (17.4 per cent) and "receiving better treatment" (14.4 per cent). At the same time, 8.6 per cent of bribes paid serve for no specific immediate purpose for the businesses paying them, suggesting that these are "sweeteners" given to public officials to "groom" them for future interactions in the interest of the company. As little as 6.6 per cent of bribes paid by businesses are reported to official authorities, mostly to the police, which suggests that businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina often feel obliged to participate in bribery. This is also reflected in the main reasons cited for not reporting bribery: "pointless to report it as nobody would care" (44.1 per cent), "giving gifts to public officials is common practice" (17.3 per cent) and "lack of knowledge of where to report" (15.5 per cent). Bribery in the private sector not only comprises bribes paid by businesses to public officials, it also takes place between businesses themselves in order to secure business transactions. Though lower than the prevalence of bribery between the private and public sector, at 1.7 per cent the prevalence of business-to-business bribery indicates that the practice does exist in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This type of corruption is not to be confused with normal marketing or public relations activities, in that it specifically aims, through illegal means, to breach the integrity of the bribe-taker in exchange for a bribe. Some 5.5 per cent of business representatives decided not to make a major investment in the 12 months prior to the survey due to the fear of having to pay bribes to obtain requisite services or permits, thus the impact of bribery on business activity can be substantial. The consequences of other more conventional crimes on a business's property and economic activities can also be considerable, both in terms of direct costs stemming from physical damage and indirect costs in the form of insurance premiums, security expenditure and lost investment opportunities. For instance, around 7.1 per cent of businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina fell victim to fraud by outsiders and such businesses were victimized an average of 3 times in that time period. Annual prevalence rates for burglary (5.8 per cent) and vandalism (2.5 per cent) in the private sector are also significant, as are the average number of times businesses affected fall victim to those crimes (1.8 and 1.4, respectively). Moreover, over the past 12 months some 0.7 per cent of all businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina fell victim to extortion, a crime that can be linked to organized criminal groups. In marked contrast to corruption, a larger share of conventional In marked contrast to corruption, a larger share of conventional crimes (on average, 65.1 per cent for five crime types) is reported to the police by businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the majority of business representatives (64.7 per cent) consider that the crime risk for their company has remained stable in comparison to the previous 12 months, more than one in ten (11.5 per cent) think it is on the increase and 15.7 per cent on the decrease. The fear of crime plays a very important role in the decision-making process of business leaders when it comes to making major investments. Although there are some differences by economic sector, on average 8.5 per cent of entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina state that they did not make a major investment in the previous 12 months due to the fear of crime. Yet while seven out of ten (70.1 per cent) businesses in Bosnia and Herzegovina use at least one protective security system against crime, only slightly more than a quarter (28.2 per cent) have any kind of insurance against the economic cost of crime. Together corruption and other forms of crime place a considerable burden on economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Putting in place more and better targeted measures for protecting businesses against crimes, as well as for preventing corruption (such as effective internal compliance measures and other policies concerning corruption) could make that burden considerably lighter. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2013. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 5, 2013 at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/statistics/corruption/UNODC_BiH_Business_corruption_report_2013.pdf Year: 2013 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Bribery Shelf Number: 131750 |
Author: Brady, Sheelagh Title: Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A silent war fought by an ambush of toothless tigers or a war not yet fought? Summary: Much has been written on Organised Crime (OC) and Corruption in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) since the war, with the majority of it iterating the same message, year on year. A small number of interesting pieces of research have been produced during this time but little has achieved substantive influence. Whilst acknowledging the common misconception that the issue of OC in BiH is over discussed, the author believed that more should be done to challenge this wealth of material, with the view of adding to the debate, whilst also demonstrating the need for change. This piece of research also aims to show that little has been achieved over the last 20 years in providing clarity to the evolution of OC in BiH from before the war until today. It achieves this by examining the vast array of literature, reviewing court data available and conducting primary research to add something new to debate. It is recognised that a lot of research has been restricted by a lack of access to real data, but this, in the opinion of the author, is not a good enough excuse to rehash the same rhetoric continuously without real evidence of its relevance. Whilst this piece of research did encounter the same issues relating to data access, it was determined that through primary research, valuable data was available to not only add something to the debate but furthermore present a grounded argument that a shift in approach is required. The report achieved this, and while acknowledging the limitations and difficulties currently existing in BiH, has clear recommendations of how to move this issue forward. Adding another unique dimension to this report, the views and opinions of organised criminals themselves were gathered and included; a view rarely presented. Although many have criticised these views as one sided and tainted, the truth is that criminals offer an important and distinctive perspective of the criminal justice system, and although they may have agendas; who is to say that the non criminal interviewees did not either? However, by interviewing a wide range of actors, a more balanced response is presented here. In fact, the opinions did not differ considerably between the criminal and non criminal interviewees, whilst their perspective may have. Much of the earlier research appears to have taken at face value incompatible opinions or arguments. Little has been conducted which challenged them. As a result, this piece was completed in an attempt to test many hypocritical arguments previously presented. To do this, the piece examined the data already presented and widely available, from before the war until today. This was done in an attempt to establish the pre-existing arguments. In addition, this literature review provided the preparatory work for the primary research, by providing structure to the interviews. Semi-structured interviews, with a wide range of actors in the field (State Ministers, police commissioners, academics, international actors, journalists, etc.) were used in an attempt to challenge the old rhetoric by directly questioning the interviewees and challenging the pre-existing arguments commonly presented in both academia and media. Unfortunately, even learned people tended to be willing to accept these conflicting arguments with little contradiction. Others accepted their hypocrisy but did little to challenge them. Through the use of these interviews, these arguments were pulled apart and debated in the attempt to get clarity on certain issues and to get people to acknowledge the inconsistencies in this debate. By including a wide range of actors, a more holistic and far reaching perspective was gathered. Interviewees who presented certain mantras were questioned about counter arguments, some openly discussed them, while others resisted debate. Details: EU Police Mission in Bosnia Herzegovina, 2012. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 20, 2015 at: https://www.occrp.org/documents/OC_in_BH_ENG.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Corruption Shelf Number: 136500 |
Author: Centre for Security Studies - BH Title: Study of Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina Summary: The Study of Organised Crime in Bosnia and Herzegovina is based on the need to make it easier for decision-makers in government institutions to identify the priority strategic areas in the fight against organised crime. It was initiated by the wish to fill the possible gaps that may appear in the public policies developed solely on the information and data in the possession of government institutions. The analysis of the citizens' views and perceptions of the issues falling within the scope of responsibility of the relevant agencies should be one of the sources of information to which officials will give adequate attention, in particular bearing in mind that it is related to the rule of law and threats to human security. The results presented in this study are the product of the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data, within a complex approach to the phenomenon of organised crime which had to be examined from various aspects. Hence, the approach to the implementation of the research had to be multi-dimensional, giving the same amount of weight to institutions in the area of justice and security but also to the sources which are not part of government albeit deeply engaged in efforts to fight organised crime through their own activities. This study does not go deep into or draw attention to either completed or still pending investigations of individual criminal activities conducted by relevant institutions. Rather, its goal is to identify, from the civil society perspective, the areas of real threats which should be taken into consideration when developing national strategies, with recommendations for concrete actions plans to fight organised crime. - A diverse array of criminality covered under organised crime, the various forms of its manifestation and a multitude of other characteristics organised crime contains resulted in the absence of the general consensus in either theory or legislation over what the term organised crime encompasses. - Most of domestic and international authors believe that organised crime encompasses the component of the necessary existence of the link between a criminal organisation and the state and its authorities, as an important element of organised crime. - International literature contains the vast array of definitions of organised crime. Prominent among them is the UN definition under which organised crime is: "a large scale and complex criminal activity carried on by groups of persons, however loosely or tightly organised, for the illegal enrichment of those participating at the expense of the community and its members". - The European Union did not accept the model of developing a single definition of organised crime. Rather, it adopted a list of 11 characteristics of organised crime, of which six must be present for any crime to be classified as organised crime. - Under the Criminal Code of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an organised crime group is defined as an organised group of at least three persons, which has existed over a certain period of time, operating for the purpose of committing one or more criminal acts which are punishable by imprisonment for a term not less than three years or a heavier punishment. - The authors from our country and the region share the opinion that the main motivating power of organised crime, as a heterogeneous and complex phenomenon, is financial gain, or more precisely, generation of massive profits quickly, and no risk of exposure in such criminal activities. - Analysing the significant number of international documents treating organised crime-related issues, we can say that there is a huge number of organised crime activities, although among the most dominant are certainly trafficking in drugs, money laundering, trafficking in human beings, and vehicle theft. - Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutional capacities for fighting organised crime exist. They are numerous, ranging across a broad spectrum, from legislative, operational, advisory to controlling capacities. At the level of BiH, there are 142 institutions which have a role to play in fighting organised crime. Details: Sarajevo: Centre for Security Studies, 2014. 106p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 20, 2015 at: http://europa.ba/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/delegacijaEU_2014080112003740eng.pdf Year: 2014 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Drug Trafficking Shelf Number: 136503 |
Author: Krzalic, Armin Title: The Citizens' Opinion of the Police Force: The Results of Public Opinion Survey Conducted in Bosnia and Herzegovina Summary: The police happens to be most trusted part of the system of Bosnia and Herzegovina -- more than half of the population has confidence in this institution. However, the image of the police among the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided -- while the opinion of some is quite positive, others list corruption, lack of politeness and discomfort as things that first come to mind at the mention of police officers. In the opinion of the population, one of the biggest problems with the police is the excessive influence of politicians on their work. The police officers are, thus, perceived as protectors of the interests of political parties instead of those who are there to serve the citizens. Citizens believe that corruption in the police force is widespread, but when we look at individual parts of the institution we see that this assessment varies and pertains mostly to traffic police, border police (especially the customs officers) and the closest associates of ministers of interior affairs. Citizens say that the process of employment in the police also happens to be problematic, i.e. that employment is gained through friends, family members, political connections and bribery. The number of those who say that they would report cases of corruption in the police, if they had the opportunity, is quite small. Such an attitude best illustrates the image of the police in public, that is, its disappointment with their work and lack of interest in their affairs. Details: Sarajevo: Centre for Security Studies, 2016. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 28, 2016 at: http://css.ba/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina-The-Citizens-Opinion-of-Police-Force-2016.pdf Year: 2016 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Police Corruption Shelf Number: 144835 |
Author: European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Title: Bosnia and Herzegovina: National Drug Situation Report 2027 Summary: This report is part of the EMCDDA-IPA5 project 'Further preparation of the IPA beneficiaries for their participation with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction' funded by the European Commission. It provides a top-level overview of the drug phenomenon in Bosnia and Herzegovina, covering drug supply, use and public health problems as well as drug policy and responses. It has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Details: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2018. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 19, 2018 at: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/system/files/publications/9424/National_drug_situation_report_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Drug Abuse and Addiction Shelf Number: 153506 |
Author: Sathyanarayanan, Sunethra Title: ECPAT Country Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina Summary: Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a country with a highly complex and decentralised system of administration. The impact of such a fragmented system of governance has influenced the sociopolitical dynamics of the country in various regards. Needless to say, it also has a strong influence on the sexual exploitation of children in the country. The different and often inconsistent criminal codes, and the inadequate cooperation and coordination between the law enforcement officials of the different administrative units seem to complicate the efforts taken towards countering the different manifestations of sexual exploitation of children (SEC). Efforts also include the country's commitment towards fulfilling its obligations under various Council of Europe Conventions that it has ratified towards this end. At present, BiH is not a member of the European Union but is a potential candidate member. The decentralised government and legal systems combined with factors such as poverty, high unemployment rate and discrimination based on ethnicity exacerbate the circumstances facilitating SEC in the country. BiH continues to be a major source and destination for trafficking of children for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The State Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has also identified an increase in cases of cross-border trafficking for the purpose of SEC. Children of Roma ethnicity are more prone to becoming victims of SEC due to poverty, social exclusion and lack of birth registration. Impoverished children are also the most vulnerable to being subject to early and forced marriages. These marriages are pursued as a source of stability and protection for children. Children from poor families are also regularly targeted for the purpose of online child sexual exploitation. Law enforcement officials have found literature and online content that trains and encourages sex offenders to sexually exploit children. However, except Republika Srpska, none of the administrative units maintain a register with the comprehensive records of convicted child sex offenders. Republika Srpska passed the 'Law on the Special Register of Persons Directly Concerned for Criminal Activities of Sexual Abuse and Use of Children' earlier this year. According to BiH’s Constitution, the international conventions ratified by the country supersede national legislation. Hence its obligations towards fulfilling its international commitments is of high importance. The country is scheduled for a Voluntary National Review in 2019. BiH had established specific coordinating bodies such as the Council for Children and Ombudsman for Children to carry out its duties towards protection of children's rights in the country. However, the inadequate allocation of financial and human resources, and lack of coordination among authorities seem to have hampered the work of these bodies. NGOs such as IFS-EMMAUS and Udruzene zene have been playing a significant part in combating SEC in the country. These NGOs have coordinated with the State in conducting several educational and training workshops to facilitate efforts to counter SEC. Although provisions to enable child participation, compensation for victims, and recovery and reintegration of victims exist in theory, there have not been exemplary cases of such facilities being availed. The comprehensive data on such cases has also not been maintained by the State. Details: Bangkok: ECPAT International, 2018. 35p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 20, 2019 at: https://www.ecpat.org/country-reports/bosnia-and-herzegovina/ecpat-country-overview-report-bosnia-herzegovina-2018/ Year: 2018 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Bosnia and Herzegovina Shelf Number: 155929 |
Author: No Name Kitchen Title: Illegal Push-Backs and Border Violence Reports Summary: The following document presents testimonies of illegal push-backs where displaced people are expelled into the Bosnian territory from the borderlands and interior of Croatia and Slovenia. All testimonies are gathered from oral interviews via a standardised framework used by the grassroots organisations working in Velika Kladusa. Details: Kladusa, Bosnia: No Name Kitchen, 2018. 78p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 4, 2019 at: http://nonamekitchen.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Push-backs-and-violence-report-August.pdf Year: 2018 Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina Keywords: Border Security Shelf Number: 156182 |