Civil aspects of the operation

For lasting peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina, full implementation of the civilian aspects of the Peace Agreement is crucial. By implementing the military aspects of the Agreement, NATO will help assure an environment conducive for the civil and political reconstruction to go forward. The early conclusion of an arms control regime and confidence and security building measures is also of fundamental importance to the peace process.

The civilian aspects of the Agreement will be carried out by appropriate international and non-governmental organizations. The London Peace Implementation Conference of 8-9 December set out the framework for these efforts. The High Representative designated by the London Conference, Carl Bildt, will monitor the implementation of the Peace Agreement and coordinate the activities of the civilian organizations and agencies involved. It is essential that the civilian and military aspects also be closely coordinated.

To this end, close contacts between IFOR and all concerned UN agencies, such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and other international, non-governmental and private volunteer organisations, are being established.

While not responsible for the civilian aspects, IFOR may, by agreement of the Parties, fulfill supporting tasks, within the limits of its assigned principal tasks and available resources, if requested.

These supporting tasks include:

  • helping to create secure conditions for the conduct by others of non-military tasks associated with the Peace Agreement, including free and fair elections (the latter will be supervised and conducted by the OSCE); assisting UNHCR and other international organizations in their humanitarian missions and assisting the movement of these organizations; observing and preventing interference with the movement of civilian populations, refugees and displaced persons, and responding appropriately to deliberate violence to life and person;
  • monitoring the clearance of minefields and obstacles.

More information is available in the document IFOR Combined Joint Civil Military Cooperation (CJ CIMIC).