Extending Provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo

This executive order extends diplomatic-style privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo, as authorized by a 2010 statute. The protections survive dissolution of either office and do not replace any other legal immunities they may hold.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 13497

Key directives

Extend all privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its officers and employees

Extend same immunities to the International Civilian Office in Kosovo and its officers and employees

Preserve immunities for both organizations and personnel even if either office is dissolved

Clarify that extension does not abridge other acquired or acquirable immunities

Risks & tensions

Minimal legal tension given prior congressional authorization via Public Law 111-177; EO largely executes statutory mandate

Potential accountability concerns: immunities may limit legal recourse for misconduct by covered personnel, though this is standard for international organizations

Survival clause upon dissolution creates indefinite legal entanglement with unclear termination mechanism

Extending Provisions of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Civilian Office in Kosovo

Impact dates

Key directives

Timeline

Immediate

Near term (90d)

Long term

Risks & tensions