The Republic of Srpska

Activities related to the deployment in peacekeeping operations abroad within the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska are conducted through the Department of International Cooperation. Members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska have participated in the following UN peacekeeping missions since the year 2000:
- East Timor (UNMISET)
- Liberia (UNMIL)
- Cyprus (UNFICYP)
- Sudan (UNMIS)
- South Sudan (UNMISS)
- Congo (MONUSCO)

Procedure for Applying for Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, through the Department of International Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as the Department), a service of the minister, handles activities related to the deployment of police officers in international peace support operations.

The candidate selection procedure at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska commences with the completion of the "Interest in Participating in Peacekeeping Missions Questionnaire" (here). This questionnaire, along with the accompanying document signed by the head of the respective organizational unit, is submitted to the Department.

The basic (minimum) requirements for participation in UN peacekeeping missions are as follows:

1. A minimum of 8 years of effective service in police for males, and a minimum of 5 years of effective service for females,

2. Proficiency in the English language (reading, writing, and comprehension),

3. Good physical and mental health, as well as satisfactory physical fitness,

4. Successful performance in previous assignments,

5. Passing the "B" category driver's test.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska, based on the submitted questionnaires, identifies candidates who meet the basic requirements for participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The applications of interested candidates from its ranks, along with the necessary documentation, are forwarded to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Selection, Evaluation, and Testing Procedure for Chosen Candidates for Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina creates a list of candidates who meet the requirements for participation in peace operations, taking into account their expertise, experience, national, regional, gender representation, as well as equal representation of interior ministries, police services, or agencies. After the selection of candidates, knowledge testing of the English language and computer skills is conducted by the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Training of Candidates for Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

Only candidates who successfully pass the English language and computer skills test fulfill the requirement for participation in the pre-mission preparatory training.

Pre-Mission Training is designed to prepare and train police officers from all police agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina who will be deployed on UN peace missions. It represents the basic form of pre-mission training in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is conducted at the Training Center for Support to Peace Operations in Butmir, Sarajevo. The training lasts for two weeks, and at the end of the training, participants take a final exam and receive a certificate.

SAAT Testing Candidates who successfully complete pre-mission training undergo SAAT testing, carried out by the UN Team responsible for assessing and supporting the selection of candidates for participation in UN peacekeeping missions. SAAT testing typically includes testing English language proficiency, interviews, driving tests, weapon handling tests, and shooting skills assessment. SAAT testing is usually conducted every two years, and only candidates who successfully pass this test can apply for UN peace mission job postings.

Application for Job Postings to Fill Vacant Positions in UN Peace Missions and Candidate Selection

Upon receiving job postings from the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina to replace police officers whose engagement in UN missions has ended, the Department informs exclusively those candidates who meet the conditions specified in the job posting. These candidates have previously passed the English language test and completed pre-mission training and SAAT testing. Lists of interested candidates with the documentation requested by specific job postings are submitted to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina compiles a list of candidates and submits it to the organizer of the peace mission through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN. After the peace mission organizer conducts telephone interviews with candidates and evaluates them, information on the finally selected candidates is sent to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN.

Subsequent Steps After the Selection of Candidates for Participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions

Upon selecting one or more candidates, medical examinations are conducted. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska finalizes the administrative and legal procedures required for the final deployment of police officers to the mission destination country. These procedures include regulating the labor and legal status of workers during the mission's mandate, as well as the issuance of uniforms and necessary equipment. During participation in a UN peace mission, the police officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska is entitled to all rights under the employment relationship, including paid leave during the mission's duration and other rights derived from the employment status. After completing the mission, the police officer is obligated to report to their respective supervisor within 30 days to continue their employment.

The Department maintains regular contact and provides necessary assistance to all police officers of the Ministry who are involved in UN peace missions.

For any additional information, you can contact the Department for International Cooperation, Office of the Minister, located in the building of the Government of Republika Srpska (Lamela B).

Address: Banja Luka, Trg Republike Srpske 1

Phone: 051 338 487; 051 338 844

E-mail: medjunarodna.saradnja@mup.vladars.rs