Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Their status and position throughout the centuries, depending on the political and social circumstance

Croatians are a domicile, constituent and constitutionally-recognised people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

After peace was made in 1995 and the Dayton Peace Agreement executed—which Agreement established the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Annex IV of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina)—Croatians were confirmed as a constituent people. After 1995, and especially after 2000, changes have gradually been introduced into the legislation on elections system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in the constituency, sovereignty and equality of Croatians being undermined.

Croatians from Bosnia and Herzegovina take part in the Council of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for the Croatians outside the Republic of Croatia—an advisory body of the Government of the Republic of Croatia which helps the Government of the Republic of Croatia in drawing up and implementing policies, activities and programs aimed at Croatians living abroad. There are 9 representatives of Croatians from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Council, and one of them is a representative of the Catholic Church in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information please visit the website of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad.