Every time a femicide shakes Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Istanbul Convention comes up again in public debate. Many people know it matters, but few know what it actually says and what the state must do.
What the Istanbul Convention is
Its full name is the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. It was opened for signature in Istanbul in 2011 and is the first legally binding European instrument to define violence against women as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination.
The convention does not cover physical violence alone. It also covers psychological, sexual and economic violence, stalking and forced marriage.
What Bosnia and Herzegovina committed to
Bosnia and Herzegovina ratified the convention in 2013, among the first countries in Europe. With that, it took on obligations in four areas:
- Prevention: education, campaigns and work on changing attitudes that justify violence.
- Protection: shelters, hotlines, legal and psychological support for survivors.
- Prosecution: taking reports seriously and holding perpetrators accountable.
- Coordinated policies: police, social services, health care and the courts must work together.
The convention specifically requires institutions to assess risk for every report, including the danger of repeated violence and homicide, and to act with due diligence.
Who monitors compliance
Implementation is monitored by GREVIO, an independent expert body of the Council of Europe. GREVIO reviews country reports, carries out visits and publishes recommendations. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, domestic institutions and NGOs also follow implementation and have warned for years that protection for survivors often lags in practice.
Where to find help
If you are experiencing violence, or suspect someone you know is, help is available:
- 1264: hotline for survivors of domestic violence in Republika Srpska
- 1265: hotline for survivors of domestic violence and violence against women in the Federation of BiH, free and available 24 hours
- 122: police
- 112: emergencies
On a hotline you can talk to someone who understands, get information about shelters and legal aid, and learn what your options are.
Violence rarely starts with the first blow. Control, isolation and fear come much earlier, and they can be talked about before things become dangerous.