Since the signing of the Dayton peace agreement ending the conflict, an additional 100,000 people have been dislocated. Continuing human rights abuses, expulsions for ethnic reasons, the destruction of homes, restrictions on freedom of movement, and inadequate amnesties are among the main obstacles to repatriation. Questions of property rights, including tenancy, are at the root of many ethnic disputes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Evictions, both illegal and under the color of law, continue throughout the country and are increasing in some regions.
Evictions are widespread and are used by all sides as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Evictions go unremedied in Bosnia and Herzegovina because of a basic deficit in the rule of law. Local authorities responsible for the enforcement of repratriation plans fail to discharge their duties, and international military forces have not extended their mandate to such matters. An international police force with enforcement responsibilities could have a significant impact on preventing or remedying unlawful evictions. Additional measures at the highest political level are required to address evictions which are carried out on the basis of war-time legislation. If such laws are not repealed forthwith, the offending parties should be subject to appropriate sanction, including the conditioning of economic assistance.