Agreement for the Demilitarization of Srebrenica

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Country/entity: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Yugoslavia (former)
Region: Europe and Eurasia
Agreement name: Agreement for the Demilitarization of Srebrenica
Date: 18 Apr 1993
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Balkan Conflicts (1991 - 1995) (1998 - 2001)
Former Yugoslavia

The disintegration of former Yugoslavia post cold war saw conflicts which became mediated and produced peace agreements in Slovenia (where the brief independence conflict was mediated by the EC Troika in 1991), Croatia (between Croatian and Serb populations 1991-1995), in Bosnia (between Croatian, Serb and Bosniak populations 1992-1995), in Macedonia (where mediation played a key pre-emptive role in preventing large scale conflict in 2001), in Kosovo (between Kosovar Albanians and Serbian population and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), but also between FRY and NATO, 1998-1999), and a conflict in the Presevo Valley (between Albanians in South Serbia and FRY, 2000-2001). The continued fall-out of the disintegration of former Yugoslavia also saw mediated agreement and ultimate dissolution of the Union between Serbia and Montenegro.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

In 1991, after nationalist parties won the first multi-party elections in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, a violent process of disintegration commenced. With its mixed population, Bosnia-Herzegovina became the centre of the following civil war that began in 1992 between the newly formed army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (mostly Muslim Bosniacs), and the parastatal forces of self-declared Bosnian Croat (Herzeg-Bosnia) and Bosnian Serb (Republika Srpska) entities within Bosnia-Herzegovina, supported by Croatia and Serbia, with various, often short-lived, coalitions. The General Framework Agreement (Dayton Peace Agreement), signed in 1995, split the country into two ethno-federal entities, the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the Republika Srpska, and included continued peacekeeping and institutional administration by international actors.

Kosovo

The conflict between Serbs and Kosovar Albanians has a long history and always involved territorial disputes as well as ethno-political, cultural and linguistic factors. The most recent phase of the conflict began in November 1997 when the Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA or UCK) began their campaign for the independence of Kosovo from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY – then Serbia and Montenegro). The subsequent war lasted until the NATO intervention, which undertook bombing campaigns of Belgrade and other places in Serbia during spring 1999. The main agreements solving the conflict were internationally driven and, finally, a UNSC resolution imposed a post-conflict arrangement in the wake of what was essentially a NATO military victory. In February 2008, Kosovo’s parliament declared independence, but independence is still internationally disputed.
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government/territory
Peace process: Bosnia peace process
Parties: Gen Sefer Halilovic; Lt Gen Ratko Mladic
Third parties: Witnessed by: Lt Gen Lars-Eric Wahlgren
Description: This short ceasefire agreement provides for a total ceasefire in the Srebrenica area; the deployment of a UNPROFOR company into the area; demilitarization; and the opening of an air corridor between Tuzla and Srebrenica to evacuate the seriously ill and wounded.

Agreement document: BA_930418_Agreement on the Demilitarization of Srebrenica.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: No specific mention.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 1, 3.
...The seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated after identification by UNPROFOR in the presence of two doctors from each side and the ICRC. All categories of seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated by air unhindered by either side. The number of seriously wounded and seriously ill is believed to be approximately 500. This will be verified on 18 April 1993 by UNROFOR and the result notified to each side.

Page 1-2, 7.
Neither side is to hinder the freedom of movement. The UNHCR and ICRC are to investigate allegations of hinderance of movement in Srebrenica and Tuzla in particular.

Page 2, 10.
The working group is to make recommendations on carrying out an exchange of the prisoners, the killed and the wounded according to the principle "all for all" in the region of Srebrenica within 10 days. This is to be under the control of the ICRC.
Traditional/religious leaders: No specific mention.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: No specific mention.
Mobility/access: Page 1, 2.
The deployment of a company group of UNPROFOR into Srebrenica by 1100 18 April 1993. This company group is guaranteed safe and unhindered passage from Tuzla to Srebrenica by both sides.

Page 1, 3.
The opening of an air corridor between Tuzla and Srebrenica via Zvornik for evacuation of the seriously wounded and seriously ill. The air corridor opens at 1200 18 April 1993 and continues on 19 April 1993, weather permitting, for as long as it takes to evacuate all the existing seriously wounded and seriously ill. The helicopters will fly from Tuzla to Zvornik and land for an inspection at Zvornik which will not cause unnecessary delay to
the evacuation...

Page 1-2, 7.
Neither side is to hinder the freedom of movement. The UNHCR and ICRC are to investigate allegations of hinderance of movement in Srebrenica and Tuzla in particular.

Page 2, 8.
Humanitarian aid will continue to be allowed into the city as planned.
Protection measures: Rights related issues→Protection measures→Other
Page 2,

9. The officers and the doctors supervising the demilitarization process are under the protection of UNPRO
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: Socio-economic reconstruction→Development or socio-economic reconstruction→Humanitarian assistance
Page 2, 8.
Humanitarian aid will continue to be allowed into the city as planned.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: Page 1, 6.
Both sides are to submit a report on the minefields and explosive obstacles in the Srebrenica area to UNPROFOR. Each side is to clear its minefields under the supervision of UNPROFOR.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
Page 1, 1.
A total ceasefire in the Srebrenica area effective from 0459 on 18 April 1993. Freezing all combat actions on the achieved lines of confrontation including supporting artillery and rocket fire.
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2, 11.
All the disputed issues are to be resolved by a mixed military working group or at another meeting of the respective delegations of the conflicting sides under the mediation of Lt Gen Wahlgren.
DDR: Security sector→DDR→Demilitarisation provisions
Page 1, 4.
The demilitarization of Srebrenica will be complete within 72 hours of the arrival of the UNPROFOR company in Srebrenica (1100 hours 18 April 1993, if they arrive later this will be changed). All weapons, ammunition, mines, explosives and combat supplies (except medicines) inside Srebrenica will be submitted/handed over to UNPROFOR under the supervision of three officers from each side with control carried out by UNPROFOR. No armed persons or units except UNPROFOR will remain within the city once the demilitarization process is complete. Responsibility for the demilitarization process remains with UNPROFOR.

Page 1, 5.
A working group will be established to decide the details of the demilitarization of Srebrenica This group will study in particular; the action to be taken if the demilitarization is not complete within 72 hours; the correct treatment for any personnel who hand over/submit their weapons to UNPROFOR. The working group will report to Lt Gen Wahlgren, Lt Gen Ratko Mladic and Gen Sefer Halilovic. The first report will be made at a meeting to be held at Sarajevo airport on Mon 19 April 1993 at 1200.

Page 2, 9.
The officers and the doctors supervising the demilitarization process are under the protection of UNPROFOR, their safety is to be guaranteed by both conflicting sides.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: No specific mention.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: Page 2, 10.
The working group is to make recommendations on carrying out an exchange of the prisoners, the killed and the wounded according to the principle "all for all" in the region of Srebrenica within 10 days. This is to be under the control of the ICRC.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: Page 1, 3.
...The seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated after identification by UNPROFOR in the presence of two doctors from each side and the ICRC. All categories of seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated by air unhindered by either side. The number of seriously wounded and seriously ill is believed to be approximately 500. This will be verified on 18 April 1993 by UPROFOR and the result notified to each side.

Page 2, 10.
The working group is to make recommendations on carrying out an exchange of the prisoners, the killed and the wounded according to the principle "all for all" in the region of Srebrenica within 10 days. This is to be under the control of the ICRC.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: No specific mention.

Implementation

UN signatory: Signed by: Lt Gen Walgren, representing UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Force) acting as mediator in the meeting and witness.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: Page 1, 2.
The deployment of a company group of UNPROFOR into Srebrenica by 1100 18 April 1993. This company group is guaranteed safe and unhindered passage from Tuzla to Srebrenica by both sides.

Page 1, 4.
The demilitarization of Srebrenica will be complete within 72 hours of the arrival of the UNPROFOR company in Srebrenica (1100 hours 18 April 1993, if they arrive later this will be changed). All weapons, ammunition, mines, explosives and combat supplies (except medicines) inside Srebrenica will be submitted/handed over to UNPROFOR under the supervision of three officers from each side with control carried out by UNPROFOR. No armed persons or units except UNPROFOR will remain within the city once the demilitarization process is complete. Responsibility for the demilitarization process remains with UNPROFOR.

Page 1, 5.
A working group will be established to decide the details of the demilitarization of Srebrenica This group will study in particular; the action to be taken if the demilitarization is not complete within 72 hours; the correct treatment for any personnel who hand over/submit their weapons to UNPROFOR. The working group will report to Lt Gen Wahlgren, Lt Gen Ratko Mladic and Gen Sefer Halilovic. The first report will be made at a meeting to be held at Sarajevo airport on Mon 19 April 1993 at 1200.

Page 1, 6.
Both sides are to submit a report on the minefields and explosive obstacles in the Srebrenica area to UNPROFOR. Each side is to clear its minefields under the supervision of UNPROFOR.

Page 2, 9.
The officers and the doctors supervising the demilitarization process are under the protection of UNPROFOR, their safety is to be guaranteed by both conflicting sides.

Page 2, 11.
All the disputed issues are to be resolved by a mixed military working group or at another meeting of the respective delegations of the conflicting sides under the mediation of Lt Gen Wahlgren.
Enforcement mechanism: No specific mention.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN Peacemaker
http://peacemaker.un.org/

AGREEMENT FOR THE DEMILITARIZATION OF SREBRENICA

At a meeting held at Sarajevo on 17 April 1993, Lt Gen Mladic and Gen Halilovic in the presence of Lt Gen Wahlgren representing UNPROFOR,

acting as a mediator, agreed the folllowing:

1. A total ceasefire in the Srebrenica area effective from 0459 on 18 April 1993.

Freezing all combat actions on the achieved lines of confrontation including supporting artillery and rocket fire.

2. The deployment of a company group of UNPROFOR into Srebrenica by 1100 18 April 1993.

This company group is guaranteed safe and

unhindered passage from Tuzla to Srebrenica by both sides.

3. The opening of an air corridor between Tuzla and Srebrenica via Zvornik for evacuation of the seriously wounded and seriously ill.

The air corridor opens at 1200 18 April 1993 and continues on 19 April 1993, weather permitting, for as long as it takes to evacuate all the existing seriously wounded and seriously ill.

The helicopters will fly from Tuzla to Zvornik and land for an inspection at Zvornik which will not cause unnecessary delay to the evacuation.

The seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated after identification by UNPROFOR in the presence of two doctors from each side and the ICRC.

All categories of seriously wounded and seriously ill will be evacuated by air unhindered by either side.

The number of seriously wounded and seriously ill is believed to be approximately 500.

This will be verified on 18 April 1993 by UNPROFOR and the result notified to each side.

4. The demilitarization of Srebrenica will be complete within 72 hours of the arrival of the UNPROFOR company in Srebrenica (1100 hours 18 April 1993, if they arrive later this will be changed).

All weapons, ammunition, mines, explosives and combat supplies (except medicines) inside Srebrenica will be submitted/handed over to UNPROFOR under the supervision of three officers from each side with control carried out by UNPROFOR.

No armed persons or units except UNPROFOR wi 11 remain within the city once the demilitarization process is complete.

Responsibility for the demilitarization process remains with UNPROFOR.

5. A working group will be established to decide the details of the demilitarization of Srebrenica.

This group will study in particular;

the action to be taken if the demilitarization is not complete within 72 hours;

the correct treatment for any personnel who hand over/submit their weapons to UNPROFOR.

The working group will report to Lt Gen Wahlgren, Lt Gen Ratko Mladic and Gen Sefer Halilovic.

The first report will be made at a meeting to be held at Sarajevo airport on Mon 19 April 1993 at 1200.

6. Both sides are to submit a report on the minefields and explosive obstacles in the Srebrenica area to UNPROFOR.

Each side is to clear its minefields under the supervision of UNPROFOR.,

7. Neither side is to hinder the freedom of movement.

The UNHCR and ICRC are to investigate allegations of hinderance of movement in Srebrenica and Tuzla in particular.

8. Humanitarian aid will continue to be allowed into the city as planned.

9. The officers and the doctors supervising the demilitarization process are under the protection of UNPROFOR, their safety is to be guaranteed by both conflicting sides.

10. The working group is to make recommendations on carrying out an exchange of the prisoners, the killed and the wounded according

to the principle "all for all" in the region of Srebrenica within 10 days.

This is to be under the control of the ICRC.

11. All the disputed issues are to be resolved by a mixed military working group or at another meeting of the respective delegations of the conflicting sides under the mediation of Lt Gen Wahlgren.

signed:

Gen Sefer Halilovic, Lt Gen Ratko Mladic

witnessed by:

Lt Gen Wahlgren

The 18 day of April 1993