On 5 November 2026, in Banja Luka, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized a professional workshop titled "Police Conduct at Public Gatherings," as part of the project "Standardization of Police Conduct at Public Gatherings."
The workshop brought together representatives from police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina involved in the planning, organization, and management of police operations. The objective was to enhance professional capacities for ensuring that police conduct during public gatherings is lawful, proportionate, and professional, while consistently respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At the opening of the workshop, participants were addressed by Maria Caterina Ghobert, Acting Head of the Human Rights Department at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Dragan Mitrović, Advisor to the Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH.
It is highlighted the importance of the freedom of peaceful gathering as a fundamental right in a democratic society, as well as the key role of the police in facilitating and protecting this right. It was emphasized that police conduct must be grounded in the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, while simultaneously maintaining public order and peace and safeguarding the security and rights of all citizens.
During the professional segment of the workshop, participants addressed international and domestic standards regarding the freedom of peaceful gathering, the relevant legal framework, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the role of the police in planning, assessing security risks, and managing public gatherings.
Particular attention was devoted to communication and cooperation with organizers of gathering, proactive measures, and handling complex security situations – such as spontaneous gatherings, counter-demonstrations, and the presence of violent individuals within otherwise peaceful gatherings. Discussions also covered the protection of media representatives and observers, the justification for police intervention, and the application of police powers and coercive measures in accordance with relevant legal and professional standards.
The workshop served as an opportunity to exchange professional experiences and best police practices, as well as to collectively examine the challenges that police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina encounter in their daily operations.
Through the organization of this workshop, the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina continue their collaboration aimed at enhancing professional policing standards, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation, and ensuring the consistent application of international human rights protection standards during police operations at public gatherings.