The newly renovated courthouse holds a historic and symbolic importance in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Built 100 years ago, it is one of the oldest buildings from the Austrian-Hungarian period in the country. Reconstructing this courthouse is an important step in reforming the justice sector and the judicial system in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With the funding from Norway, the European Union, Sweden and the Sarajevo Canton, the total investment amounted to 4.2 million euro. The Palace of Justice now serves as a good example of a highly functional and modern courthouse, while at the same time retaining the elegance of its original interior design and architecture. The project increased the number of courtrooms from 3 to 15, of various sizes able to accommodate everything from minor cases to highly complex and serious prosecutions requiring courtroom translation and witness protection facilities. Attention was placed on providing efficient access for the public and provision of services to the general public. Archives were also modernized and made more efficient.
This project began in 2006 with the initiative and the funding from the Norwegian government, and in collaboration with the European Union, the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC). The HJPC had a lead role throughout the reconstruction program, with the constant attention of the International member of the HJPC Council, the Norwegian secondee, Mr. Sven Marius Urke.
Read the speech by Ambassador Jan Braathu here.