Legal Policy Task Force for the Former Yugoslavia (LPTF)
The LPTF has concentrated its advocacy efforts on Bosnia and Herzegovina, but is expanding activities elsewhere in the region, including Eastern Slavonia. LPTF consultants compile and analyze laws and policies of national governments pertaining to refugees and displaced persons. The LPTF, comprising both core staff and consultants, seeks to influence governmental policies and international institutions. In particular, it engages in policy advocacy in the framework of the Dayton Peace Agreement.
The LPTF continues to focus on reforming divisive and discriminatory property laws and citizenship policies that obstruct the return of refugees to their places of origin. Our advocacy will encourage the international community to condition its housing reconstruction assistance on the revision of wartime property laws in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A broad regional initiative to harmonize citizenship arrangements is contemplated, including an expert seminar in Belgrade. In addition, we are monitoring the repatriation of refugees and displaced persons concerning the former Yugoslavia.
We will continue our work with the Soros Law Centers in Sarajevo and Zagreb, as well as the International Crisis Group. In February 1998, the LPTF and the Croatian Law Center are co-sponsoring a regional conference on property rights issues.
The Forced Migration Projects have published a number of special reports focusing on the former Yugoslavia. These publications include:
Citizenship Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996) examines the significance of citizenship issues for the repatriation of refugees and displaced persons under the Dayton peace process. The paper assesses how such issues could have important consequences for ensuring respect for human rights and promoting political stability in the region.
Property Law in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996) addresses the important role the return of property, or compensation for the dispossession of real property, has in the decision of refugees and displaced persons to return home. Achieving just and durable solutions to these issues has become a vital aspect of the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement.
Abstract of the Dayton Accords (1996) provides an outline of objective indicators and deadlines established by the Bosnian peace accords, which can be used to measure progress toward meeting the objectives of the agreement.
The Commission for Displaced Persons and Refugees: Options and Issues (1996) assesses the mandate and function of the commission established under Annex 7 of the Dayton agreement, and its contribution in facilitating durable solutions.
Property Law in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) (1997)
In addition to these special reports, the Projects also cover issues in the former Yugoslavia in the bimonthly newsletter, The Forced Migration Monitor, and in the weekly news bulletin, FM Alert.