Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2011: Bosnia and Herzegovina.

摘要

Bosnia and Herzegovina consists of two entities within the state, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (the Federation) and the Republika Srpska (RS). The 1995 General Framework Agreement for Peace (the Dayton Accords) provides for a democratic republic with a bicameral parliament but assigns many governmental functions to the two entities. The Dayton Accords also provide for a high representative who has the authority to impose legislation and remove officials. In October 2010 the country held general elections that international observers deemed free and fair. As of years end the country had not formed a government, although leaders reached an agreement to do so early in 2012. Security forces reported to civilian authorities. Deep-seated ethnic divisions continued to foster widespread discrimination in most aspects of daily life, undermined the rule of law, distorted public discourse in the media, and obstructed the return of persons who were displaced during the 1992-95 conflict. Other significant problems affecting the country included poor conditions and overcrowding in prisons, and harassment and intimidation of journalists and civil society.