Bosnia’s Triple Threat: Navigating Migration, Human Rights, and Lingering Landmines
Bosnia and Herzegovina is grappling with a complex trifecta of challenges: the ongoing humanitarian concerns surrounding migrant detention and rights, the persistent threat of landmines from past conflicts, and efforts to bolster border security. These issues collectively underscore the nation’s intricate path toward stability and European integration.
Key Takeaways
- Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed an agreement with the EU’s border agency Frontex to enhance border security and combat illegal migration.
- Human Rights Watch has raised significant concerns about the treatment and prolonged detention of migrants in Bosnia, highlighting risks to their rights.
- Over 820 square kilometers of land in Bosnia and Herzegovina remain contaminated with landmines, posing a serious and ongoing danger.
Strengthening Border Security and Migration Management
Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a significant step in its cooperation with the European Union by signing a new Status Agreement with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. This agreement, signed by Borjana Kristo, Chairwoman of Bosnia’s Council of Ministers, and Magnus Brunner, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, allows Frontex to conduct joint operations and deploy its standing corps along Bosnia’s borders and at crossing points, including airports.
This collaboration aims to control and prevent illegal migration and cross-border crime. Bosnia was previously one of the few Western Balkan countries, alongside Kosovo, that had not signed such an arrangement with Frontex. The EU views this as a crucial step for Bosnia’s European path and its role in securing the EU’s external borders. Increased cooperation on border management in the Western Balkans has already led to a significant decrease in irregular border crossings, with a downward trend continuing into 2025.
Human Rights Concerns for Detained Migrants
Despite efforts to manage migration, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has voiced serious concerns regarding the treatment of detained migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. HRW’s research, including a visit to a detention center in Lukavica, revealed issues such as processing delays, limited access to legal counsel, and inadequate conditions. These concerns are particularly pertinent as the UK and the European Commission have considered Bosnia as a potential location for
Sources
- Over 820 Square Kilometers of Land Still Mined in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Warns BHMAC, Sarajevo Times.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rights of Detained Migrants at Risk, Human Rights Watch.
- Bosnia partners with EU to strengthen border security, Reuters.
- EU strengthens cooperation on migration and border management with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood.
