EN
ANALYSIS of the legal framework in the fight against sextortion in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This paper examines sextortion as a hybrid offense combining elements of sexual harassment and corruption through the abuse of entrusted power to obtain sexual benefits. The analysis focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) legal framework, assessing its alignment with international standards and identifying legislative and policy gaps. Structured into several sections, the study begins by defining sextortion, distinguishing it from related phenomena such as sexual harassment and sexual exploitation, and highlighting its unique characteristics, including the gendered power asymmetry and its prevalence in vulnerable contexts. The paper systematically reviews the legal framework in BiH, analyzing provisions across criminal law, anti-discrimination law, labor law, and higher education regulations. Key findings include the absence of a dedicated legal definition for "sexual benefit," the lack of specific criminalization of sextortion, and inconsistencies in addressing its dual components—abuse of power and sexual exploitation. The international legal context is explored through instruments such as the Istanbul Convention and relevant EU directives, emphasizing the need for BiH to harmonize its domestic laws with these standards. The study proposes several recommendations de lege ferenda, including the formal introduction of "sexual benefit" as a legal concept, the establishment of sextortion as a distinct criminal offense, and amendments to existing laws to address the interplay between corruption and sexual exploitation. Comparative legal analyses with international practices provide insights into best practices for drafting effective legislation. The paper concludes with two policy documents outlining actionable measures for enhancing legal and institutional frameworks to combat sextortion in BiH. These include victim-centered approaches, stricter accountability measures, and public awareness campaigns to foster zero tolerance for sextortion. The findings underscore the critical importance of coordinated efforts by governmental and non-governmental actors to ensure compliance with international human rights and anti-corruption norms.
ANALIZA PRAVA NA PRISTUP INFORMACIJAMA U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI
Sloboda pristupa informacijama u Bosni i Hercegovini ključni je mehanizam za jačanje demokratije, transparentnosti i odgovornosti javnog sektora. Kao fundamentalno ljudsko pravo, regulisana je međunarodnim aktima poput Univerzalne deklaracije o ljudskim pravima i Evropske konvencije o ljudskim pravima. Analiza ovog prava obuhvatila je zakonodavni okvir, praktičnu primjenu, sudsku praksu i preporuke Ombudsmana. Fokus je na efikasnosti institucija, izazovima u implementaciji zakona, sankcijama, dužini sporova i sudskim troškovima. Kombinacijom kvalitativne i kvantitativne analize, istraživanje pruža osnovu za unapređenje zakona i jačanje odgovornosti javne uprave u BiH.
Handbook on the Rights of Potential and Registered Foreign and Domestic Minor Victims of Human Trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This handbook provides an overview of the rights of minor victims of human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the rights of both foreign and domestic victims. It is intended for all professionals, relevant authorities, and individuals who come into contact with children who are potential or registered victims of human trafficking. The handbook aims to clearly define the rights these children have, as well as the obligations of state and non-governmental institutions in ensuring their protection, support, and reintegration. Adhering to international standards and domestic legal frameworks, this handbook serves as a guide for providing comprehensive and adequate protection to the most vulnerable members of society
FARSI LANGUAGE-Legal Support and Protection of Rights for Victims of Human Trafficking
Post Title: Leaflet Overview: Legal Support Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Our organization provides comprehensive legal assistance and support to victims of human trafficking, Download our leaflet to learn more about how we can assist victims of human trafficking in achieving their rights and providing legal protection. The leaflet was created as part of the projects "Building an Effective and Sustainable BH National Response to Combat Human Trafficking" conducted by the Association "Vasa prava BiH" and supported by the US Government through the USAID INSPIRE Human Rights Protection Support Program.
RUSSIAN LANGUAGE-Legal Support and Protection of Rights for Victims of Human Trafficking
Post Title: Leaflet Overview: Legal Support Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Our organization provides comprehensive legal assistance and support to victims of human trafficking, Download our leaflet to learn more about how we can assist victims of human trafficking in achieving their rights and providing legal protection. The leaflet was created as part of the projects "Building an Effective and Sustainable BH National Response to Combat Human Trafficking" conducted by the Association "Vasa prava BiH" and supported by the US Government through the USAID INSPIRE Human Rights Protection Support Program.
ANALYSIS of the legal framework in the fight against sextortion in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This paper examines sextortion as a hybrid offense combining elements of sexual harassment and corruption through the abuse of entrusted power to obtain sexual benefits. The analysis focuses on Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH) legal framework, assessing its alignment with international standards and identifying legislative and policy gaps. Structured into several sections, the study begins by defining sextortion, distinguishing it from related phenomena such as sexual harassment and sexual exploitation, and highlighting its unique characteristics, including the gendered power asymmetry and its prevalence in vulnerable contexts. The paper systematically reviews the legal framework in BiH, analyzing provisions across criminal law, anti-discrimination law, labor law, and higher education regulations. Key findings include the absence of a dedicated legal definition for "sexual benefit," the lack of specific criminalization of sextortion, and inconsistencies in addressing its dual components—abuse of power and sexual exploitation. The international legal context is explored through instruments such as the Istanbul Convention and relevant EU directives, emphasizing the need for BiH to harmonize its domestic laws with these standards. The study proposes several recommendations de lege ferenda, including the formal introduction of "sexual benefit" as a legal concept, the establishment of sextortion as a distinct criminal offense, and amendments to existing laws to address the interplay between corruption and sexual exploitation. Comparative legal analyses with international practices provide insights into best practices for drafting effective legislation. The paper concludes with two policy documents outlining actionable measures for enhancing legal and institutional frameworks to combat sextortion in BiH. These include victim-centered approaches, stricter accountability measures, and public awareness campaigns to foster zero tolerance for sextortion. The findings underscore the critical importance of coordinated efforts by governmental and non-governmental actors to ensure compliance with international human rights and anti-corruption norms.
ANALIZA PRAVA NA PRISTUP INFORMACIJAMA U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI
Sloboda pristupa informacijama u Bosni i Hercegovini ključni je mehanizam za jačanje demokratije, transparentnosti i odgovornosti javnog sektora. Kao fundamentalno ljudsko pravo, regulisana je međunarodnim aktima poput Univerzalne deklaracije o ljudskim pravima i Evropske konvencije o ljudskim pravima. Analiza ovog prava obuhvatila je zakonodavni okvir, praktičnu primjenu, sudsku praksu i preporuke Ombudsmana. Fokus je na efikasnosti institucija, izazovima u implementaciji zakona, sankcijama, dužini sporova i sudskim troškovima. Kombinacijom kvalitativne i kvantitativne analize, istraživanje pruža osnovu za unapređenje zakona i jačanje odgovornosti javne uprave u BiH.
Handbook on the Rights of Potential and Registered Foreign and Domestic Minor Victims of Human Trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This handbook provides an overview of the rights of minor victims of human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the rights of both foreign and domestic victims. It is intended for all professionals, relevant authorities, and individuals who come into contact with children who are potential or registered victims of human trafficking. The handbook aims to clearly define the rights these children have, as well as the obligations of state and non-governmental institutions in ensuring their protection, support, and reintegration. Adhering to international standards and domestic legal frameworks, this handbook serves as a guide for providing comprehensive and adequate protection to the most vulnerable members of society
FARSI LANGUAGE-Legal Support and Protection of Rights for Victims of Human Trafficking
Post Title: Leaflet Overview: Legal Support Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Our organization provides comprehensive legal assistance and support to victims of human trafficking, Download our leaflet to learn more about how we can assist victims of human trafficking in achieving their rights and providing legal protection. The leaflet was created as part of the projects "Building an Effective and Sustainable BH National Response to Combat Human Trafficking" conducted by the Association "Vasa prava BiH" and supported by the US Government through the USAID INSPIRE Human Rights Protection Support Program.
RUSSIAN LANGUAGE-Legal Support and Protection of Rights for Victims of Human Trafficking
Post Title: Leaflet Overview: Legal Support Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Our organization provides comprehensive legal assistance and support to victims of human trafficking, Download our leaflet to learn more about how we can assist victims of human trafficking in achieving their rights and providing legal protection. The leaflet was created as part of the projects "Building an Effective and Sustainable BH National Response to Combat Human Trafficking" conducted by the Association "Vasa prava BiH" and supported by the US Government through the USAID INSPIRE Human Rights Protection Support Program.