Bosnia and Herzegovina child support enforcement challenges

Parents in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina face significant challenges in collecting court-ordered alimony, leaving children without necessary financial support. Despite legally binding decisions, payments are frequently delayed or entirely absent, often because non-paying parents avoid formal employment to evade obligations.

In contrast to the Federation, Republika Srpska implemented a law on temporary child support in April. Within the Federation, advocates and ombudsmen have proposed the creation of an alimony fund, where the state would provide temporary funds to the child and subsequently seek reimbursement from the defaulting parent.

The Center for Women’s Rights Zenica reported providing over 400 services related to maintenance issues since the start of 2025, with over one hundred clients specifically seeking help with alimony collection. Aleksandra Marin-Diklić, assistant ombudsman for human rights, noted that while court decisions mandate payment, the financial burden remains primarily on the parent with whom the child resides until those decisions are enforced.