40 The cases 99-3425/00-3816

In the aftermath of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina the Human Rights Chamber for Bosnia and Herzegovina was established under Annex 6 to the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dayton Peace Agreement). The Human Rights Chamber for Bosnia and Herzegovina first constituted in March 1996. Many changes have taken place since the Chamber issued its first decision on the merits in the case CH/96/01 Matanovic v. the Republika Srpska. From that early beginning when the electricity failed in 1997 during the public hearing in that case, and the hearing had to be continued under the glow of candlelight, until today, the Chamber has deliberated, debated and decided on a couple thousand cases involving a diverse range of alleged violations of human rights. Over the years it has established itself into an effective and impartial judicial institution that has earned the trust and confidence of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.