In the Dayton Agreement that marked the end of the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995, the two entities comprising the state agreed to secure international human rights to all persons, including children. Thereafter, the Constitution accorded primacy to the European Convention on Human Rights over domestic law. Further, Bosnia looks toward the European Union with hope of membership. Thus, Bosnian criminal law is in the midst of reform to improve the situation of children in conflict with the law. Accordingly, the Strategy against Juvenile Offending was adopted to improve respect for children's rights. It foresees the adoption of a Juvenile Justice Act, the creation of a Juvenile Court, and the appointment of specialized professionals. Secondly, it recognizes that the effectiveness of a juvenile justice system depends on the availability of diversion and alternatives to judicial proceedings and criminal sanctions. This article analyses these two aims in the light of international standards and the need for rule of law reform. The problems experienced in implementing diversion, and local initiatives taken to rectify these shortcomings are also addressed.
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