Bosnia and Herzegovina Faces Corruption, Political Blockages in COVID-19 Fight

Threats to International Efforts Against Coronavirus Pandemic

The international community’s efforts to help Bosnia and Herzegovina contain the coronavirus pandemic are being threatened by corruption and political blockages, according to Valentin Inzko, the country’s High Representative. In his semi-annual report to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Inzko highlighted the major challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina faces in its fight against COVID-19.

Swift Action Taken by Government Helps Slow Spread of Disease

While Bosnia and Herzegovina has managed to avoid widespread outbreaks and significant loss of life, swift action taken by the government had helped slow the spread of the disease. However, corruption risks related to international financial and material assistance pose a bigger challenge.

• Inzko noted that there is an “open question” on how to minimize corruption risks related to the management of international assistance.
• He recommended creating mechanisms run by the international community to track international assistance and prevent profiteering.

Need for Improved Rule of Law and Fight Against Corruption

Inzko also highlighted the need for Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve its rule of law and fight against corruption, which he described as a “big pandemic” that threatens the country’s progress. He emphasized the importance of preventing profiteering from international assistance.

Ongoing Challenges in EU Integration and Local Elections

The High Representative’s briefing coincided with a European Union summit on the Western Balkans, where leaders were expected to discuss the region’s integration into the EU. However, Inzko noted that 18 months after general elections, a government had yet to be appointed in the Federation due to disagreements over electoral law changes.

• Citizens of Mostar remain deprived of their right to vote in local elections, 10 years after the destruction of its landmark Ottoman-era bridge was a symbol of the war’s ferocity.
• Several human rights judgments also remain unimplemented, including one that gave equal status to Serbs in southern Herzegovina-Neretva canton.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Commemorative Events

Inzko also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic could prompt commemorative events related to the Srebrenica massacre to be scaled back. Some individuals still deny the genocide, reject war crimes verdicts, and glorify convicted war criminals.

• Inzko urged everyone in Bosnia and Herzegovina to recognize each other’s suffering and come together to mourn.
• He emphasized the need for a unified response to the country’s ongoing challenges.