Home > About us > Role and Function Role and Function WHAT IS OMBUDSMAN? The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH is independent institution dealing with protection of rights of natural persons and legal entities in accordance with the Constitution of BiH and international human rights instruments appended thereto. WHAT DO WE DO? The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH handles complaints related to poor functioning or to human rights violations committed by any organ of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its entities and District Brčko. The cases are opened upon individual complaints filed by natural persons or legal entities, or ex officio. WHO MAY ADDRESS THE INSTITUTION AND HOW? The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH may be addressed by each natural person or legal entity that has legitimate interests, regardless of citizenship, race, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic origin. Complaint filed with the Institution shall not cause any criminal, disciplinary or any other sanctions in disfavor of complainant. Complaint is filed in writings, by mail, fax, e-mail or through personal contact. Complaint should contain brief description of events, facts or decisions that led to filing of complaint. Complaint must be signed by complainant or authorized proxy. Provision of copies of complaint supporting documentation together with the complaint is desirable, if such documentation exists. The Institution may refuse to review anonymous complaints for which it considers that they are malicious, ill-founded, those in which there is not actual complaint, those that would make damage to third parties or those that are filed more than 12 months following event, facts or decision subject to complaint. HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU? The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH, if determines violation of rights, issues recommendation to competent organs to undertake measures to restore human rights violation or poor functioning of administration. The Institution also provides assistance to citizens how to use the most adequate legal remedies or advises them which institution to address. WHAT WE CAN NOT DO? The Institution can not change decisions of organs of public authorities, nether take over the role of appeal organs. The Institution may not interfere with decision-making process of courts. The Institution can not represent complainants before public organs; neither can it write objections or complaints on behalf of complainants. The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH can not decide on compensation for determined human rights violations. Useful Links Cooperation with NGO Office Days of the BiH Ombudsman Agreements of the Ombudsperson Institution of BiH with other ombudsman institutions Covid-19 and the human rights effect Freedom of Access to Information Marrakech Declaration, 12th October 2018 Operational Strategy of the Institution of Human rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Period 2023 – 2028 Medium-Term Plan 2025-2027 Medium-Term Plan 2024-2026 Ombudsman Manual for handling discrimination cases Guidelines for filling in the complaints in the area of discrimination Application before European Court of Human Rights - Instruction The life of an application before the European Court of Human Rights News Archive We are protecting rights of natural persons and legal entities in accordance with the Constitution of BiH and international human rights instruments...Ombudsmen of BiH Ombudsman's ActivitiesOmbudsmenka Nives Jukić prisustvuje sjednici Predstavničkog doma Parlamenta Federacije BiHOmbudsmen dr. Nevenko Vranješ na Bledskoj konferenciji „Borba sa savremenim izazovima“Ombudsmenka Nives Jukić na pripremnom sastanku Pododbora za pravdu, slobodu i sigurnostOmbudsmenka Nives Jukić prisustvuje sjednici Predstavničkog doma Parlamentarne skupštine BiHOmbudsmen dr. Nevenko Vranješ na Bledskoj konferenciji „Borba sa savremenim izazovima“Ombudsmen dr. Nevenko Vranješ na radionici „Grad inkluzije“Activities Archive Related documentsThe role and importance of the Institution of the Human Rights Ombudsman in Bosnia and Herzegovina, brochure Latest publications Special report regarding the prevention of the risk of statelessness in Bosnia and Herzegovina, November 2024Special report on the situation in detention facilities in certain police administrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, March 2024Follow-Up Report on the situation in care institutions for persons with intellectual and mental disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 2024Analysis of the implementation of the recommendations of the Ombudsman for Human Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 2024