Commission for the Coordination of Youth Issues in BiH

Basic information about the Commission

Based on Articles 17 and 22 of the Law on the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina", No. 30/03, 42/03, 81/06, 76/07, 81/07, 94/07 and 24/08), the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, at its 86th session, held on 20 December 2016, adopted the Decision on the Establishment of the Commission for the Coordination of Youth Issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina", No. 10/17).

The Commission is a permanent and highest advisory body to the established structures for the coordination of the youth sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which, with its scope of work and responsibilities, does not encroach on the constitutional and legal responsibilities of the competent authorities at all levels of decision-making.

The operation of the Commission is significant because it enables efficient coordination and direction of policies related to young people and faster implementation of initiatives that solve their problems. Through the work of the Commission, young people are actively involved in the decision-making process, which contributes to their empowerment and engagement in society.

Responsibilities of the Commission

The commission is responsible for confirming its basic principles and coordinating the activities of all groups important for the improvement and protection of the roles and positions of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of improving their living conditions, and for the international representation of issues related to young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tasks of the Commission

The commission's tasks are: analysis, assessment of the state, progress and needs of the entire youth sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina; proposing strategic reform priorities in the youth sector to competent authorities; providing recommendations for harmonization of legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of youth; assessment of the state of implementation of international conventions and declarations in the field of youth accepted by Bosnia and Herzegovina; encouraging the adoption of measures to improve the situation and better cooperation with international organizations; giving advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of youth; monitoring the activities of all international programs and aid projects that are implemented in the field of youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina; review of reports on activities and results; giving advice and recommendations for the successful coordination of all projects and programs and their consistency with domestic policies in the field of youth; cooperation with other established structures in the field of youth on all issues of importance for the coordination of youth policies; organization of information days, conferences, trainings, seminars, etc. in the field of youth; promotion and support of cooperation, mutual information, exchange of experts, experiences and good practices between competent entity, cantonal and Brčko District authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other institutions and bodies in the field of youth; analysis of intersectoral cooperation and cooperation with the non-governmental sector.

Umbrella associations for youth

Three umbrella organizations for young people operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents an organization that gathers young people from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of improving their position and advocating their rights. It focuses on issues such as education, employment and social protection, and provides a platform for the active participation of young people in decision-making.

The Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina also organizes various seminars, workshops and projects that enable young people to be educated, develop their skills and become active members of society.

Youth Council of the Republic of Srpska

The Youth Council of the Republic of Srpska is an umbrella youth organization that represents the interests of young people in the Republic of Srpska. The Youth Council of the Republic of Srpska deals with promoting youth activism, solving youth problems and cooperating with institutions. The vision of the organization is to become a recognizable and influential partner in solving youth issues, while the mission is aimed at improving their position through innovation, responsibility and constant learning.

Youth Council/Council of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Youth Council/Council of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents the umbrella organization of youth associations in the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina and participates in the creation of programs and strategies for young people. The Youth Council/Council of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an organization that represents the youth of the area and deals with issues concerning their rights and interests. The goal is to improve the position of young people through various activities, projects and advocacy for better conditions for education, employment and social integration of young people. Also, the Youth Council/Council of Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina works to strengthen activism among young people and their involvement in decision-making processes.

Relevant laws and documents

Law on Youth of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina", 36/10).

Law on youth organization of the Republic of Srpska ("Official Gazette of RS", 98/04, 119/08, 1/12).

Law on Youth of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina", 18/17).

Decision on the establishment of the Commission for the coordination of youth issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina ("Official Gazette of Bosnia and Herzegovina", 10/17).