The Institution has special powers foreseen by the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination, Freedom of Access to Information Act of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Law on Freedom of Access to Information of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Law on Freedom of Access to Information of Republika Srpska, in addition to the Laws on Ministerial, Government and Other Appointments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and of the Republika Srpska.

The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH handles complaints related to poor functioning or to human rights violations committed by any organ of Bosnia and Herzegovina, its entities and District Brčko. The cases are opened upon individual complaints filed by natural persons or legal entities, or ex officio.

The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH, if determines violation of rights, issues recommendation to competent organs to undertake measures to restore human rights violation or poor functioning of administration. The Institution also provides assistance to citizens how to use the most adequate legal remedies or advises them which institution to address.

The Institution can not change decisions of organs of public authorities, nether take over the role of appeal organs. The Institution may not interfere with decision-making process of courts. The Institution can not represent complainants before public organs; neither can it write objections or complaints on behalf of complainants. The Institution of Human Rights Ombudsman of BiH can not decide on compensation for determined human rights violations.