SARAJEVO – A transformative effort is underway in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to revolutionize how military personnel engage in digital spaces. The Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH MoD) has taken a significant step by introducing a new Code of Conduct on Social Media Use for inspectors within the Ministry and the Armed Forces of BiH (AFBiH).
A Remarkable Initiative
Marking a milestone in March 2025, the newly adopted Code underscores a commitment to fostering ethical conduct across digital platforms. This initiative, backed by the OSCE Mission to BiH, kicked off with a presentation designed to promote accountability and professionalism online. The emphasis is on reshaping the interactions involving military personnel, ensuring they reflect the esteemed values of the armed forces.
Training the Trainers
Central to the campaign is a Train-the-Trainers approach. This strategy will see inspectors acting as knowledge carriers, cascading their understanding of the Code to subordinate units and commanding bodies. The inaugural session carved out pathways for future training, establishing key protocols for widespread adoption.
Focus on Ethical Conduct
Speakers at the event stressed the importance of ethical online practices in safeguarding the institution’s credibility. Brigadier General Edin Fako, Inspector General of the BiH MoD, highlighted the need for digital decorum that aligns with offline standards, stating “Military personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, both offline and online.”
The comprehensive Code also anchors its regulations in constitutional protections, European human rights conventions, and international law, ensuring lawful and proportionate restrictions on digital behavior.
Institutional Credibility and Public Trust
Šejla Maslo Čerkić, a Legal Advisor with the OSCE Mission, provided insights into the Code’s legal foundations. She articulated the delicate balance between freedom of expression and enforcing professional conduct, which underlines this initiative’s core.
By setting clear expectations, the Code acts as a safeguard against unethical actions that could jeopardize interpersonal bonds or violate security protocols.
Mechanisms for Implementation
In ensuring robust application, the event’s concluding discussion unveiled critical mechanisms to support implementation. As digital channels increasingly sway public perception, the Ministry of Defence and AFBiH remain dedicated to honoring ethical standards, thus enhancing public confidence in their activities.
According to Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, this trailblazing initiative not only emphasizes transparency and integrity but seeks to bolster institutional reputation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.