BOSNIAN ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDED

SARAJEVO, Bosnia (March 28,2008) - The Bosnian Advisory Council for Ethical and Professional Development has been founded in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo. Council's basic goals are support for protection and improvement of ethical and professional standards in the Bosnian judiciary , according to international standards and strengthening cooperation and transparency in professional and public segment in this field of expertise.

Based on memorandum o understanding, this body was supported by the Bosnian High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and signed by numerous representatives of judicial institutions and organizations, the Bosnian Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary Committee of Brcko District and entity judges associations.

Some of the signatories shall give their confirmations later in the process, as it was announced.

Advisory Council is fist initiative of this kind in Bosnia and a first serious step towards ensuring organized multi-institutional approach to issues of common interest.

Agreement was signed under the sponsorship of “Canada – Bosnia Judicial Reform Process” (JRP).

JRP is a three year project implemented in Bosnia since 2006. It is financed by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The main goal of the project is to contribute the creation of responsible and competent state judicial institutions which guarantee the safety of citizens and create positive environment for social, economic and political development.

Other goals of the project are support to sustainable and effective judiciary system which is accessible, transparent, neutral, independent, and efficient and strengthens the promotion and protection of gender equality.
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