City Hall: The 20th International Summer School on Transitional Justice and International Criminal Law

The 20th International Summer School Sarajevo was held today in the Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica), gathering 26 young lawyers and researchers from 20 countries worldwide with the aim of advancing knowledge in the fields of transitional justice, international criminal law, and human rights protection.

The International Summer School, organized by the “PRAVNIK” Association in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation – Rule of Law Program Southeast Europe, marks 20 years of successful work this year.

The City of Sarajevo has been continuously cooperating with the “PRAVNIK” Association for many years in organizing this prestigious summer school, recognizing its importance for the promotion of international criminal law, transitional justice, human rights protection, and the strengthening of the rule of law. This long-standing cooperation contributes to the affirmation of Sarajevo as a city that nurtures education, dialogue, and international academic exchange.

The Deputy Mayor of Sarajevo, Mirela Džehverović, addressed the attendees, emphasizing that the presence of young lawyers and researchers from all over the world confirms that the international academic community continues to recognize the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s experience in dealing with the past and strengthening the rule of law:

“Days filled with learning from distinguished judges, prosecutors, legal experts, and professors from leading international institutions and our region lie ahead of you. Use this opportunity not only to expand your knowledge but also to exchange ideas, build friendships, and establish connections that will contribute to building a more just world.”

During the program, through lectures, discussions, and practical activities, participants will have the opportunity to learn from prominent international judges, prosecutors, legal experts, and professors about the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the International Criminal Court (ICC), the legacy of international tribunals, the right to a fair trial, the role of forensic pathology in international investigations, as well as the issue of missing persons in the process of transitional justice.

It was also highlighted that for the past five years, the City Hall has been home to the Information Centre on the ICTY in Sarajevo, which preserves the legal legacy and historical facts established through international justice.

Deputy Mayor Džehverović expressed her full support to the “PRAVNIK” Association and the Faculty of Law of the University of Sarajevo for organizing this exceptional International Summer School.