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Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Carter Agreement)

  • Country/entity

    Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Yugoslavia (former)
  • Region

    Europe and Eurasia
    Europe and Eurasia
  • Agreement name

    Comprehensive Peace Agreement (Carter Agreement)
  • Date

    21 Dec 1994
  • Agreement status

    Multiparty signed/agreed
  • Interim arrangement

    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level

    Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( Balkan Conflicts (1991 - 1995) (1998 - 2001) )
  • Stage

    Pre-negotiation/process
  • Conflict nature

    Government/territory
  • Peace process

    Bosnia peace process
  • Parties

    Signed 19 December 1994: Radovan Karadzic, Ratko Mladic
    Signed 20 December 1994: Alija Izetbegovic, President, Rasim Delic, Supreme Commander
    Signed 20 December 1994, Additional agreement to that of 19 December: Radovan Karadzic
  • Third parties

    Jimmy Carter, Witness
  • Description

    This agreement, signed in several versions over two days, provides for an immediate ceasefire monitored by UN forces, commencing negotiations for a total cessation of hostilities agreement, unrestricted movement of humanitarian aid, and an early exchange of detainees.


Groups

  • Children/youth

    No specific mention.

  • Disabled persons

    No specific mention.

  • Elderly/age
    Groups→Elderly/age→Anti-discrimination
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.
  • Migrant workers

    No specific mention.

  • Racial/ethnic/national group
    Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→Anti-discrimination
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.
  • 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
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.
  • 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, Untitled last paragraph
    It is understood that there will be unrestricted movement of relief convoys, use of the airport at Sarajevo in accordance with existing agreements, and the delivery of humanitarian services by official institutions and non-governmental organizations. Each side may join with UNPROFOR inspectors to assure that no armaments or weapons of war are included in the cargoes to be delivered.

    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    There will be an early exchange of all detainees, under the auspices of the International Red Cross. In accordance with the Geneva conventions, the ICRC will have unimpeded access to all detainees to insure that the provisions of this agreement are fulfilled. In a final agreement, all has to be agreed; otherwise, nothing is agreed.
  • 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
    Page 1,

    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.
  • Bill of rights/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Treaty incorporation
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    There will be an early exchange of all detainees, under the auspices of the International Red Cross. In accordance with the Geneva conventions, the ICRC will have unimpeded access to all detainees to insure that the provisions of this agreement are fulfilled. In a final agreement, all has to be agreed; otherwise, nothing is agreed.
  • Civil and political rights
    Human rights and equality→Civil and political rights→Other
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    ...All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice...
  • 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, Untitled last paragraph
    It is understood that there will be unrestricted movement of relief convoys, use of the airport at Sarajevo in accordance with existing agreements, and the delivery of humanitarian services by official institutions and non-governmental organizations. Each side may join with UNPROFOR inspectors to assure that no armaments or weapons of war are included in the cargoes to be delivered.

    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    3) Based on assurances that convoys [unreadable] humanitarian services will pass freely. The Bosnian forces will withdraw from the Igman demilitarized zone in accordance with the existing agreement prior to the commencement of the negotiations described in item (1) above.
  • Protection measures
    Rights related issues→Protection measures→Protection of civilians
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.
  • Other

    No specific mention.


Rights institutions

  • NHRI

    No specific mention.

  • Regional or international human rights institutions
    Rights institutions→Regional or international human rights institutions→Monitoring calls
    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards. All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice. International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.

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 1, Untitled last paragraph
    It is understood that there will be unrestricted movement of relief convoys, use of the airport at Sarajevo in accordance with existing agreements, and the delivery of humanitarian services by official institutions and non-governmental organizations. Each side may join with UNPROFOR inspectors to assure that no armaments or weapons of war are included in the cargoes to be delivered.

    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    3) Based on assurances that convoys [unreadable] humanitarian services will pass freely...
  • 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

    No specific mention.

  • Ceasefire
    Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provision
    Page 1, 1.
    Immediately implement a cease-fire, monitored by U.N. forces along all lines or confrontation, by cessation of all military activities and the exchange of prisoners, etc., as described below.

    Page 1, 2.
    Commence negotiations on an agreement for a total cessation of hostilities on December 27, 1994, with the intent to conclude the agreement by January 15, 1995. This cessation of hostilities will last for four months, or for a longer period if mutually agreed by both parties.

    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the total elimination and prevention of the firing of any guns or weapons of any kind that might be damaging to people or property.

    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    1) It is agreed that the negotiations to establish a total cessation of hostilities will commence on 23 December, 1994, with the intent to conclude the agreement by 1 January 1995.

    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    2) A complete ceasefire, throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be implemented at noon, 23 December 1994 monitored by U.N forces along all lines of confrontation, by cessation of all military activities.
  • Police

    No specific mention.

  • Armed forces
    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    3) Based on assurances that convoys [unreadable] humanitarian services will pass freely, the Bosnian forces will withdraw from the Igman demilitarized zone in accordance with the existing agreement prior to the commencement of the negotiations described in item (1) above.
  • DDR

    No specific mention.

  • 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 1, 1.
    Immediately implement a cease-fire, monitored by U.N. forces along all lines or confrontation, by cessation of all military activities and the exchange of prisoners, etc., as described below.

    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    There will be an early exchange of all detainees, under the auspices of the International Red Cross. In accordance with the Geneva conventions, the ICRC will have unimpeded access to all detainees to insure that the provisions of this agreement are fulfilled. In a final agreement, all has to be agreed; otherwise, nothing is agreed.
  • Vetting

    No specific mention.

  • Victims

    No specific mention.

  • Missing persons

    No specific mention.

  • Reparations

    No specific mention.

  • Reconciliation

    No specific mention.


Implementation

  • UN signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Other international signatory
    Jimmy Carter, Witness
  • Referendum for agreement

    No specific mention.

  • International mission/force/similar
    Page 1, 1.
    Immediately implement a cease-fire, monitored by U.N. forces along all lines or confrontation, by cessation of all military activities and the exchange of prisoners, etc., as described below.

    Page 1, Untitled last paragraph
    It is understood that there will be unrestricted movement of relief convoys, use of the airport at Sarajevo in accordance with existing agreements, and the delivery of humanitarian services by official institutions and non-governmental organizations. Each side may join with UNPROFOR inspectors to assure that no armaments or weapons of war are included in the cargoes to be delivered.

    Page 2, Additional agreement to that of 19 December
    2) A complete ceasefire, throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be implemented at noon, 23 December 1994 monitored by U.N forces along all lines of confrontation, by cessation of all military activities.
  • Enforcement mechanism

    No specific mention.

  • Related cases

    No specific mention.

  • Source
    ICTY Court records, Karadzic trial, exhibits D03504, D03503
    http://icr.icty.org/

Comprehensive Peace Agreement

We the undersigned agree that we and those under our authority will:

1. Immediately implement a cease-fire, monitored by U.N. forces along all lines or confrontation, by cessation of all military activities and the exchange of prisoners, etc.,

as described below.

2. Commence negotiations on an agreement for a total cessation of hostilities on December 27, 1994, with the intent to conclude the agreement by January 15, 1995.

This cessation of hostilities will last for four months, or for a longer period if mutually agreed by both parties.

3. While the cessation of hostilities is in effect, negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement, on the basis of the acceptance of the peace plan of the Contact Group as a starting point.

This will be done at a mutually acceptable site, under the auspices of the Contact Group, using mediators proposed by the Contact Group and mutually agreed by the parties.

All issues are to be resolved in full cooperation with the contact group.

It is understood that there will be unrestricted movement of relief convoys, use of the airport at Sarajevo in accordance with existing agreements, and the delivery of humanitarian services by official institutions and non-governmental organizations.

Each side may join with UNPROFOR inspectors to assure that no armaments or weapons of war are included in the cargoes to be delivered.

Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the total elimination and prevention of the firing of any guns or weapons of any kind that might be damaging to people or property.

Each side will be responsible within its controlled areas for the protection of human rights in accordance with international standards.

All people, regardless of age, sex, or ethnic origin, shall have the right to live in a location of their choice.

International observers, including the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights, will be free to observe compliance with this agreement.

There will be an early exchange of all detainees, under the auspices of the International Red Cross.

In accordance with the Geneva conventions, the ICRC will have unimpeded access to all detainees to insure that the provisions of this agreement are fulfilled.

In a final agreement, all has to be agreed;

otherwise, nothing is agreed.

It is realized that other difficult issues and unresolved questions will have to be resolved.

This will be done peacefully, utilizing the services of the Contact Group or UNPROFOR as appropriate.

Signed 19 December 1994:

Radovan Karadzic [signed], Ratko Mladic [signed], Jimmy Carter, Witness [signed]

Signed 20 December 1994:

Alija Izetbegovic, President [signed], Rasim Delic, Supreme Commander [signed], Jimmy Carter, Witness [signed]

Additional agreement to that of 19 December

20 December 1994

1) It is agreed that the negotiations to establish a total cessation of hostilities will commence on 23 December, 1994, with the intent to conclude the agreement by 1 January 1995.

2) A complete ceasefire, throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be implemented at noon, 23 December 1994 monitored by U.N forces along all lines of confrontation, by cessation of all military activities.

3) Based on assurances that convoys [unreadable] humanitarian services will pass freely, the Bosnian forces will withdraw from the Igman demilitarized zone in accordance with the existing agreement prior to the commencement of the negotiations described in item (1) above.

Radovan Karadzic [signed]

Witnessed:

Jimmy Carter