United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

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04 December 2025

Young Leaders for the Future: Volunteer Initiatives that Inspire

Across towns, cities, and communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, participants of the Young Leaders for the Future programme are demonstrating that change becomes most visible where people choose to act together. What connects them is not only their volunteer engagement, but a shared understanding that trust, solidarity, and dialogue grow from everyday acts that strengthen their communities.Although each volunteer initiative has its own dynamic and specific character, taken together they form a broader narrative: young people who, through practical work and mutual cooperation, are laying the foundations for communities that are fairer, more inclusive, and more resilient. This is also where their most meaningful contribution to peacebuilding lies - not in grand declarations, but in dedicated work within their communities and in strengthening the fabric of togetherness. In Teslić, the volunteers’ first step was simple: bring young people together for an informal conversation. The “Info Café” at Radolinka beach became a place where youth could openly discuss the challenges they experience in their environment, and what they need in order to participate more actively. In a pressure-free atmosphere, among equals, a readiness emerged to hear other viewpoints and consider different perspectives. This small yet important space of trust showed that dialogue is the starting point of any process a community wants to advance, and it set the tone for all activities that would follow across the country. Continuing their search for ways to connect people, volunteers in Mostar organised a literary evening on the Small Stage “Karel Čapek” at the Mostar Puppet Theatre. The gathering created an opportunity for young authors to share their texts, experiences, and reflections on the world around them. The audience responded with questions, encouragement, and discussion. Through literature and conversation, diverse perspectives found a common space, reminding us that art and culture can serve as practical tools for fostering understanding, mutual respect, and appreciation. This openness to others continued in Gornji Vakuf–Uskoplje, where young people, through the initiative “Behind the Surface”, sought to understand the concerns, hopes, and sentiments their fellow citizens carry, those that often remain unspoken. Through mirrors with messages, short interviews, and anonymous notes left by passers-by, they explored the micro-narratives that shape everyday life in a community. The result went far beyond a creative activity: the volunteers recognised the importance of being present and listening, because it is through this kind of attention that shared spaces begin to form. From such understanding naturally comes the impulse to support those who need it most. In Bosanska Krupa, a visit to a home for children without parental care provided an opportunity for volunteers to deliver school supplies, but also to offer their time. Through play and conversation, they witnessed firsthand how attention and small gestures can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. In Zvornik, the same story continued through a creative workshop for children with developmental disabilities. Children, parents, and volunteers shared a bright, playful, and welcoming space. The workshop served as a reminder that inclusion is not only a principle, but a lived practice, and that a community grows stronger when every child feels seen and supported. In Tuzla, the focus shifted from relationships among people to our relationship with the environment - another shared good that belongs to all. The eco-workshop at the House of the Flame of Peace raised questions about plastic use, waste, and possibilities for changing individual habits. Young people took part in games, discussions, and a clean-up action, demonstrating that caring for the environment is not only an ecological but also a social matter: the way we relate to the space we share inevitably affects the quality of our collective life. Change starts with small steps, and the first ones are always easier when made side by side. Volunteers in Milići used their initiative to spark public conversations about women’s reproductive health, a topic often left on the margins. Through educational materials, a visible presence in public spaces, and conversations with community members, they helped create an environment in which this topic could be approached with more openness and understanding. In communities where women feel encouraged and supported to seek information and prioritise their health, quality of life grows, trust strengthens, and social relations become more stable. A similar spirit of unity was felt in Doboj, where volunteers, alongside youth activists with disabilities, their peers, and teachers, planted flowers and greenery, improved the schoolyard, and supported the equipping of a sensory room. Through their joint effort, each participant was equally valued, and inclusion took shape through concrete experience. The activity helped build bonds among young people and left a visible, lasting mark on the school they share. In Glamoč, solidarity took on a deeply practical form. Volunteers organised the humanitarian initiative “A Package of Kindness”. Together, they collected groceries and hygiene products, prepared “packages of kindness”, and delivered them with care to elderly community members and families in need. Peace is nurtured through precisely such quiet gestures, those that cultivate empathy, protect dignity, and remind us that no one should ever be overlooked or forgotten. In Stolac, volunteers devoted their time to caring for stray dogs – innocent beings without a voice, yet with needs as real as our own. After visiting a local animal welfare organisation and learning about the challenges it faces, the young volunteers mobilised a donation campaign and collected 150 kilograms of food. They demonstrated that empathy is not a selective trait; it either exists or it does not. A community that cares for its most vulnerable and silent members shows that it has the capacity to care for everyone. All these values - dialogue, understanding, solidarity, empathy, respect for diversity, and care for the environment - came together in Mostar during the joint volunteer action marking United Nations Day. The revitalisation of the inclusive sensory park Kantarevac, the planting of flowers, and the workshop on the role and responsibility of young people in society symbolically connected volunteers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The joint activity showed that when young people unite around shared values, their differences cease to be barriers and instead become assets - bringing a diversity of perspectives, experiences, motivation, and positive energy. Observed together, these initiatives reveal a simple yet essential truth: young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina understand profoundly what their communities need. They choose dialogue over distance, solidarity over indifference, and initiative over waiting for others to act. This is where their true role lies - not in grand undertakings, but in the consistency with which they bring people closer every day. Their activities show that trust can be rebuilt, that social bonds and cohesion can be strengthened, and that peace can be cultivated on very simple yet solid foundations: understanding, respect, and a willingness to act. This is not a finished story, but a process that continues to grow and expand month by month, in every town and every community where young people come together and take initiative. If the future of the country depends on those willing to work together, then these young people have already demonstrated that this future can be brighter, more stable, and more just than we often allow ourselves to imagine. The Young Leaders for the Future programme is part of the broader Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project, implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO in cooperation with the United Nations Resident Coordinator, and in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is funded by the United Nations Secretary General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

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02 December 2025

How to strengthen the response to digital violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of the global UNiTE initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls, was launched this year with a powerful message: the digital space is becoming a new arena for violence and harassment and requires greater attention from the whole society.Representatives of institutions and civil society, experts, and young people gathered in Sarajevo for the panel session “How Can Bosnia and Herzegovina End Online Violence” to discuss the key current challenges, as well as the next steps that require an equally serious systemic approach to technology-facilitated violence as to any other form of gender-based violence.Although Bosnia and Herzegovina has in recent years developed an important legislative roadmap and clear definitions of certain forms of digital violence, one problem remains: legislative progress does not keep pace with the speed at which digital violence is changing, growing, and taking on increasingly sophisticated forms. This is why the opening of the campaign focused primarily on three-layered and interconnected challenges.The first is the deep gap between legislation and reality. Although laws are advancing, institutions still lack the capacity to respond effectively in practice. The police, prosecutor’s offices, and health and social services often do not have either the experts or the equipment needed for digital forensics, which results in women who experience violence still being told to “block the account” or “turn off the phone” – a symptom of a system that does not provide adequate protection.The second is the sense of abandonment that women and girls experience when the violence begins. Safe houses, SOS hotlines, and social protection professionals are insufficiently prepared for the specific nature of digital violence, which is why young people, especially adolescent girls, often do not even recognize that they are victims until the violence escalates. Without systematic education for young people, parents, teachers, and all service providers, digital violence will continue to remain invisible, overlooked, and reported too late.The third challenge carries a particularly urgent character: the upcoming 2026 elections. Bosnia and Herzegovina is entering a complex election year in which generative artificial intelligence can shape public perception in a matter of seconds - deepfake videos, synthetic audio materials, fabricated screenshots, and coordinated online campaigns will become a reality of the political arena. And, as is the case globally, women in politics will feel the impact most acutely.Next StepsClear next steps have emerged from all these challenges. It is necessary to harmonize the legal and strategic framework across all levels of government so that digital forms of violence are precisely defined and institutions have unified, applicable procedures. A particular focus must be placed on strengthening digital forensics, building a network of trained investigators and prosecutors, and empowering social services. Equally important is investing in digital literacy across all generations, from young people, to parents and teachers, to the professionals who provide support to survivors.The need to prepare the system for digital violence during electoral processes was also emphasized, through monitoring of the online space and cooperation with technology platforms. Yet perhaps the most important message was that we must shift toward prevention, building positive models, engaging young people, artists, athletes, and influencers, and creating a digital culture that discourages violence while fostering safety and solidarity.The participants of the panel discussion agreed on one thing: in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the knowledge exists, the will exists, and now coordinated action is needed. Technology-facilitated violence is not a technical issue but a matter of human rights, the democratic process, and equal participation in society.Guiding Principles for Future ActionThe gap between law and reality

What women experience every day has now been publicly stated: the laws exist, but the people, procedures, and tools needed to make them effective are lacking. If violence is advancing faster than institutions, the system must accelerate.The burden placed on women

Women must not bear the consequences of digital violence on their own. The responsibility for protection does not fall on them; it falls on the system. Survivors do not need more courage. They need more support.An election year and new vulnerabilityEntering an election year brings an entirely new type of risk. Generative AI can damage someone’s reputation in an instant. Women will be the most frequent targets, which is why the response must be faster than manipulation and more resilient than disinformation.If institutions, schools, services, the technology sector, and local communities act together, Bosnia and Herzegovina can build a digital space in which technology is no longer a weapon but a tool of freedom. The safety, participation, and right to be heard of every woman, girl, and young person must not be an ideal; they must be the standard. And not because it is easy, but because it is right.The activity is organized as part of the global “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign and is implemented through the Joint Programme “Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA)”, in partnership with the European Union (EU), Sweden and Denmark, and implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF in Bosnia and Herzegovina, within the framework of the cooperation between the United Nations and the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of advancing gender equality and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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13 November 2025

Women Build Peace and Security: From Strategic Documents to Real Change

This was the first resolution to clearly recognize the essential role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and strengthening security. After that, Member States began developing their own strategic documents to turn these principles into concrete policies and measures.In 2010, Bosnia and Herzegovina became the first country in Southeast Europe to adopt an Action Plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325, setting an example for the other countries in the region. Since then, three action plans have been implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the fourth — covering the period 2025 to 2030 — is currently in the process of adoption.Action Plans outline concrete steps needed to advance the WPS agenda — from increasing the number of women serving in the police, military, and diplomatic service, to improving the status of women who survived wartime violence.The Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina, operating within the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, plays a leading role in the development of these Action Plans and in monitoring their implementation. According to the Agency’s Director, Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Bosnia and Herzegovina still has a long way to go to ensure equal representation of women in security services and peace processes, but the progress made so far is meaningful and visible. This is reflected in the data collected for the preparation of the new Action Plan, including the finding that the participation of women in the Armed Forces and police structures has seen a gradual but notable increase. In 2024, women accounted for 12.97% of soldiers (compared to 10% in 2022), 5.90% of non-commissioned officers (2022 – 4.20%), and 9.35% of officers (2022 – 5.20%). Representation of women in police structures in 2023 and 2024 stood at around 11%, up from 9.59% in 2021–2022. Although women remain underrepresented in higher-ranking leadership positions, the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH expects that the new generations of young women increasingly entering security services — including the military and police — will, over time, advance into these roles.“The processes in security and defense have their own rules and cannot be bypassed. For example, we had a woman general, and when she retired, a gap emerged. The new generations need time to develop, as the ranking system follows its own rules.” Explained Director Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, emphasizing that increasing the representation of women in the security and defense sector has also been supported by affirmative measures — such as reducing the required years of experience (from eight to five) for women who wish to participate in peace missions, or introducing English language courses. Thanks to these measures, Bosnia and Herzegovina has managed to maintain the participation of women in peace missions above 20 percent, which is the threshold required by the United Nations.Bosnia and Herzegovina as an innovator in introducing the Human Security A distinctive contribution of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the global context is the introduction of the human security concept into its Action Plan — the first example of its kind in the world. This has made it possible to examine different aspects of the security of citizens from a gender-equality perspective, including unforeseen emergencies and crisis situations, and to initiate concrete actions at the local level. “Bosnia and Herzegovina had the first plan in the world to introduce the human security dimension, which highlighted, for example, work with victims of human trafficking, continued support for women survivors of war, activities in the field of small arms control and demining, work with victims of these processes, as well as the involvement of civil society not only in rehabilitation but also in policymaking,” emphasizes Mirsad Miki Jačević, international expert and Chair of the Institute for Inclusive Security, who has participated in the development and evaluation of action plans in more than 90 countries.This approach does not view security solely through the protection of state borders, but also through addressing everyday safety challenges — such as protecting women who sell goods along the roadside or ensuring the safety of children vulnerable to exploitation through begging. It is especially important for women and men in local communities to recognize the issues that are specific and relevant to the security of their town or local community, as well as to have the tools to address them, explains Edita Miftari, Programme Specialist for Women, Peace and Security at UN Women Bosnia and Herzegovina. “In some communities more heavily affected by conflict, this may be a question of reconciliation and trust, but there are also other safety concerns that are not directly related to the conflict. It can be as simple as asking whether there is street lighting in my street when I walk home at night from work or school and how that affects women differently,” explains Miftari.Due to its innovative approach, the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been asked to assist in developing action plans for the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in countries such as Montenegro, Moldova, and Serbia. A particularly noteworthy example is Finland, which Bosnia and Herzegovina also supported in creating its action plan. As the Agency for Gender Equality explains, Finland was the first country to provide financial support to Bosnia and Herzegovina for a project aimed at introducing a gender-equality perspective into the institutions.“That is the country with which we first began discussing gender equality as a concept, and which genuinely helped us establish our gender centers. The support provided to Finland is particularly interesting, as it shows that the student can, after all, give something back to the teacher through their own experience and practice,” representatives of the Agency for Gender Equality conclude.There is No Successful Action Plan Without the Involvement of Women’s OrganizationsSince 2022, with the support of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, UN Women, IOM, and UNFPA have been intensively working on advancing the global Women, Peace and Security agenda in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative links the global WPS agenda with local communities, supporting women who advocate for equality by engaging them in dialogue on reconciliation, security, and development. The programme also provides education, support networks, and the promotion of women in culture and media — demonstrating that Resolution 1325 is being implemented in practice.Alongside the institutions and international organizations, civil society sector plays an irreplaceable role in strengthening the position of women in post-conflict society. Radmila Žigić, Director of the Lara Foundation in Bijeljina, is also a member of the Coordination Board for Monitoring the Implementation of the Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, established by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Žigić explains that the participation of representatives from the non-governmental sector has helped reduce the gap between officials in state institutions and women’s organizations working on the ground, who often feel a sense of frustration as they continually encounter systemic shortcomings.“That frustration is justified, but it is often neither rationalized nor communicated in a way that enables change and improvement. Through my participation in the Coordination Board, I have learned to work toward constructive solutions and to build stronger alliances while maintaining my own autonomy in my work,” says Radmila Žigić.The most significant changes have resulted from the synergistic efforts of authorities and citizens. This kind of civic participation is essential for the effective implementation of the Action Plan.“For us, it was highly relevant. We promoted it and demanded its implementation even when it would ‘get lost’ at certain levels of decision-making. I believe that the pressure exerted by women’s non-governmental organizations has been recognized by the Coordination Board as an important alliance — one that should continue to be strengthened and, when necessary, further structured in the period ahead,” explains Žigić.Women’s Voices Must Be Respected in Policy-MakingAlthough increasing the representation of women in the security sector is an important indicator of progress, the Women, Peace and Security agenda can only truly take root in a post-conflict society when women feel safe and empowered in their everyday lives. It is especially important to include women who have survived different forms of wartime injustice, as their stories, experiences, and knowledge can be crucial for building lasting peace and a more just society.Security is not reflected only in the number of women in uniform, but in how much women genuinely have the opportunity to contribute to improving their communities and to have their voices heard in policy-making. These are all areas in which Bosnia and Herzegovina still has a long way to go before the Women, Peace and Security agenda is fully integrated into its security and development strategies.Bosnia and Herzegovina’s important role in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda was demonstrated once again in June this year, when Sarajevo hosted the first international conference dedicated to this topic, bringing together more than 150 participants, including peace activists from across the world.Participants of the conference signed the Sarajevo Pledge, committing themselves to greater and more genuine inclusion of women in peace processes and decision-making, ensuring that their voices and experiences are equally represented in building safer communities. The document remains open for signing by all interested allies and partners. The conference highlighted the importance of strengthening women’s leadership based on empathy and cooperation, engaging young and marginalized women in peacebuilding, and creating safe spaces and support systems for their active participation.“We express our sincere gratitude to Bosnia and Herzegovina for its leadership and continued commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, as well as for enabling the fulfillment of this important shared commitment,” was the message from the Women, Peace and Security conference.Bosnia and Herzegovina recently officially joined the Global Compact on Women, Peace, Security and Humanitarian Action (WPS–HA Compact), becoming the first country from the UN Women Europe and Central Asia region to join this global initiative. By joining the Compact, the priorities of the Action Plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325 have been incorporated into a global system of commitments that brings together more than 240 signatories from over 150 countries — states, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector — all dedicated to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. With this step, Bosnia and Herzegovina has further strengthened its position as an active member of the global community of countries that not only implement the WPS agenda, but also contribute to shaping and advancing it through international cooperation and the exchange of good practices.As a pioneer in Southeast Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown that strategic documents can lead to real change when they are implemented in practice and backed by broad partnerships among institutions, civil society, and the international community. Today, through action plans and programmes such as “Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, supported by the PBF, Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to build a framework in which women play a central role in peace and security — not only on paper, but in the daily lives of communities across the country.

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13 November 2025

Odyssey of Peace: A Board Game as a Tool for Peace, Inclusion, and Sustainable Development

How do we explain to children and young people that peace is something we learn, practice, and build—just like any other skill? The answer lies in Odyssey of Peace — an innovative board game that shows how trust, cooperation, and sustainable development can be learned through play, togetherness, and creativity.Odyssey of Peace is a new educational board game developed within the Game-Based Learning Lab, created under the project “Youth for Inclusion, Equality and Trust / Moving Us Closer”, implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina by UNFPA in partnership with local governments, with support from the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund and the Embassy of Italy in BiH.Children and young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina are accustomed to workshops, round tables, and trainings. Yet few activities have ever felt as natural and familiar to them as—a game.Odyssey of Peace is designed to awaken what matters most in learning: curiosity and a sense of belonging.
The game incorporates local symbols, cultural motifs, and familiar stories, helping children immediately recognize that the world on the board is their own—their towns, their values, their shared future.It is no coincidence that this game was created together with the very children and youth who use it today. More than 1,200 children and young people, along with their teachers from over 20 municipalities and cities across the country — including Bosanski Petrovac, Brčko, Ribnik, Tuzla, Srebrenik, Lukavac, Sarajevo, East Sarajevo, Zenica, Travnik, Bugojno, Foča, Goražde, Čajniče, Mostar, Stolac and Trebinje — took part in the development and testing. Their feedback shaped the game’s rules, ensuring that every card, every figure, and every task carries meaning that is both understood and felt.Evaluation results among children, teachers, and education authorities who have tested the game confirm a shared view: Odyssey of Peace deserves a permanent place in classrooms, as well as on the shelves of school and city libraries.The goal is not to defeat others — the goal is to win together For Iva Kovačević, a student at Veselin Masleša Primary School in Foča, the essence of Odyssey of Peace is not about defeating an opponent but about finding solutions together.“I won first place at the Odyssey of Peace tournament, but it’s clear to me the goal wasn’t the competition — it was learning and exploring together. I especially liked that messages of peace are calls to respect differences, care for each other, and care for nature.”For Draženka Penavić, a teacher at the Jozo Martinović Secondary School of Economics in Mostar, this game is a tool of peace education — a way to learn trust, understanding, and sustainable development through shared play. She now uses it as a regular part of her classes.“I was among the first teachers who had the opportunity to see and test Odyssey of Peace. I now gladly use it with my students. We need more innovative tools to learn about peace and for peace, and I warmly recommend this peace-education tool to all my colleagues.” Senad Osmanović, Head of the Department for Education of the Brčko District Government, adds:“Odyssey of Peace is a well-designed, pedagogically grounded activity that combines creative thinking, teamwork, and non-violent communication. It helps children develop social skills, strengthen empathy, and learn how to resolve conflicts constructively — the very foundations of the education we strive for.”How Odyssey of Peace Is PlayedThe game follows the core principles of the global Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, promotes the idea of positive peace, and encourages the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).At the start of the game, each player receives a Task Card that defines their district. Players must then develop the economic and social potential of that district by collecting three types of crests — representing smart, sustainable, and creative development.Blue crests represent smart and inclusive development, requiring players to use technology to ensure transparency, inclusion, and efficiency in managing public goods.Orange crests represent the creative economy, encouraging care for cultural heritage and the use of local symbols to create and promote new products and services.Green crests promote responsible production and consumption, renewable energy use, and care for present and future generations.Resources are collected on the main game board, where players move using a special figurine — the Stećak of Peace — inspired by a famous motif from the Radimlja necropolis near Stolac.
The figure of a person standing upright with a raised open hand symbolizes welcome; in the game, it reminds players that they are partners, not opponents, and that progress comes through exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and working together.A key component of the game is the People Cards, which players cannot buy or win.
To receive a People Card, a player must demonstrate responsible, fair, and sustainable leadership of their district.
Each card represents real individuals from local communities — people who advanced peace, human rights, solidarity, and social justice, including those from minority or marginalized groups, those who faced injustice, and even those who once held power but chose the path of peace, rule of law, and dignity for all.By doing so, Odyssey of Peace connects abstract concepts like peace and sustainable development to real human stories, turning them into lived experience for children and youth.A Game Where Everyone Loses if Anyone Starts a WarPlayers can continue to develop and populate their districts as long as there is peace on the main board.
But if even one player lands on a war field — everything stops.No matter how many resources were collected, how many cities were built, or how far players progressed — war destroys everything.
This illustrates the devastating impact of conflict, where everyone loses and no one emerges as a winner.To prevent war, players must cooperate, and can call on the Armies of Peace:
Empathy, Dialogue, Respect for Diversity, and Care for the Environment.More Than a Game — A Lesson in the Kind of Society We Want to BuildOdyssey of Peace is not just a game.
It is a classroom of the future — a space where children learn about the society they wish to create: one rooted in understanding, creativity, and solidarity.It reminds us that children and youth in BiH are not merely a “target group,” but partners in building peace.
And it shows that investing in peace begins here — in the classroom, among friends, with a smile, a dice roll, and a small figurine called the Stećak of Peace.Because in this game, just like in life,
we all win only when we win together.

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07 November 2025

Learning Together for Inclusion

A training session for UN staff on disability inclusion was held at the UN House in Sarajevo, jointly organised by UNDP and OHCHR in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities from across the country. The training is part of the Action Plan of the UN Disability Inclusion Working Group (DIWG), co-chaired by UNDP and UN Women, and aims to strengthen the capacities of UN staff on the concepts of inclusion, accessibility, and the human rights of persons with disabilities. During the first part of the training, through inspiring presentations by speakers from various organisations of persons with disabilities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, participants were introduced to challenges and good practices in the field of inclusion. Discussions covered domestic and international laws and documents, with a particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the experiences of women, youth, and LGBTIQ+ persons with disabilities. One of the key topics was personal assistance. “Personal assistance is extremely important because it enables independent living in the community, contributes to dignity, equality, and participation in all areas of society. The essence is that personal assistance is not charity or care, but a support service that empowers a person to make their own life choices,” said Jovana Džever, a member of the Youth Association InfoPart Banja Luka. In the second part of the training, participants engaged in practical exercises, role-play, and personal storytelling, gaining insight into different perspectives on disability, from using Braille and white canes to sign language interpretation and writing easy-to-read texts. The training, held on 6 November 2025, represents another step toward building an inclusive system within the United Nations and society as a whole, one in which every person has equal rights, opportunities, and a voice that is heard.

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27 October 2025

For a Barrier-Free Society: UN and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities Map Joint Actions

The consultations, held on October 20 2025 in Sarajevo, gathered representatives of UN agencies and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to define shared priorities and strengthen joint action for inclusion and accessibility across Bosnia and Herzegovina.Organized under the framework of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Working Group (DIWG), which leads UN-wide efforts to embed the rights of persons with disabilities across all policies and programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event presented the UNCT Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), along with the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and Accountability Framework.“Disability inclusion is more than a principle - it must be a practice. With the establishment of the UN Disability Inclusion Working Group and its ambitious Work Plan, the UN reaffirms its role in supporting CRPD implementation and partnering with organisations of persons with disabilities to ensure every person in Bosnia and Herzegovina is seen, heard, and empowered. Through today’s consultation, we committed to increased strategic engagement with OPDs to ensure disability inclusion remains embedded from design to delivery,” said Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and DIWG co-chair. “Sustainable development needs to be inclusive, and this requires the active participation and contribution of organisations of persons with disabilities. You have a partner in us. We will use the convening power of the UN, and the strength of partnerships across government institutions, the private sector, academia, the media, and international organisations, to strengthen disability inclusion in BiH. We will be guided by your priorities and by a deep understanding of intersectionalities and multiple deprivations,” said Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and DIWG co-chair. "Genuine inclusion begins when persons with disabilities are not only heard but actively shape the decisions that affect their lives and improve society at large. Participation is not a privilege - it is a universal right that is essential to ensure dignity, equality and the full realisation of everyone’s potential," said Agnes Picod, Head of OHCHR Country Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through open dialogue, participants discussed priorities and joint actions for the 2025–2026 period, as outlined in the DIWG Work Plan, with a particular focus on accessibility, employment, education, social protection, and health services.Suvad Zahirović, from the Union of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, emphasised the importance of this new chapter in cooperation: “United Nations agencies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities from across the country held consultations on partnership-based action aimed at ensuring the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in our country. I consider this event historic, as it marks the beginning of a new relationship between UN agencies in defining programmes and projects that support changes in the social position and ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities. The Union of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities will give its full contribution to the development of this partnership, as well as to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the achievement of the objectives of the Workplan of the UN Disability Inclusion Working Group in BiH. I believe this is a new beginning of joint efforts to create policies based on the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities throughout the country.” The consultations concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate disability inclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 2025–2026 DIWG Work Plan will guide joint actions across sectors - ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only included, but are active partners in shaping a more inclusive and equitable society.Would you like to receive the quarterly e-newsletter of the UN Disability Inclusion Working Group?Send us a message at RCS-DisabilityInclusion-BiH@un.org

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24 October 2025

Sarajevo Call for Peace

In a moment of urgent global need marked by rising conflict, growing militarization, and deepening polarization, leaders from diverse faiths, public institutions, youth and women movements, and civil society convened in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina to call for a united stand to condemn war, support collaborative peacebuilding, and uphold respect for international law.The second chapter of “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law” was held in Sarajevo from 16 to 18 October 2025. A joint initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and Religions for Peace (RfP), the Sarajevo Call for Peace was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the City of Sarajevo, and the Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A Global Movement Anchored in SarajevoLaunched in Gernika, Spain, in April 2025, the “Call for Peace” is an urgent call for humanity to put an end to the vicious cycle of violence and destruction that pervades our world. The “Call for Peace” continues in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina — a city that still bears the deep scars of war, yet stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. Sarajevo’s story, like that of Gernika, reminds us that from the ruins of conflict can emerge a steadfast commitment to recovery, reconciliation, and hope. Linking Gernika and Sarajevo carries a shared message: the remembrance of war’s tragedies can serve not only as a warning but also as a catalyst for dialogue, understanding, and the building of a more peaceful future.By uniting global stakeholders and engaging communities most affected by conflict, the “Call for Peace” aims to amplify the pursuit of a peaceful future for the next generations. Through diplomacy, collaboration, and dialogue, it envisions a world where peace prevails over war. Future iterations of the global movement are slated for cities historically impacted by conflict, with the third chapter envisaged to take place in Beirut, Lebanon next year.Amplifying Voices for Peace, Unity, and JusticeAs in Gernika, the Sarajevo gathering drew historical parallels to modern-day conflicts and amplified global voices calling for peace, unity, and justice.The three-day event opened with a reception at the Olympic Museum in Sarajevo, followed by interactive panels featuring faith leaders, youth, women and civil society actors. Key thematic sessions, held at the Gazi Husrevbeg’s Library and the Bošnjački Institute, included:Faith in Action: Religious Leaders and Faith Actors as Partners in Fostering Peace, Rebuilding Trust and Promoting Mutual UnderstandingYoung People Paving the Way for Peace: From Words to ActionWomen Shaping a Future of Peace: Bridging Gaps in Global ChallengesAgents of Peace: Civil Society Driving Transformative Change from the Ground Up The main ceremony took place in the historic Sarajevo City Hall – Vijećnica, with leaders sharing key messages. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Samir Avdić, Mayor of Sarajevo, reminded the world that Sarajevo’s history and resilience symbolize humanity’s enduring hope for peace. In parallel, H.E. Mr. Elmedin Konaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized, “Our shared task is to ensure that today’s Call for Peace is not just a statement, but a concrete process — one that fosters responsibility, solidarity, and collective action…Let our call for Peace be more than words — let it be a global movement for dialogue, dignity, and reconciliation.” Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, underscored that peace is not static. It requires constant dialogue and inclusion. “We don’t get peace just by declaring it. Actions need to follow. Real actions, for real long-lasting peace. …My dear friends, humanity must stand together and call for a better world,” he said. His rallying cry: mobilize all sectors of society — from faith leaders, to youth, women, civil society, media, grassroots actors and all stakeholders — who are united around a central idea: “Many cultures. One humanity.” Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary-General of Religions for Peace, added, “We must act timely in answering the voices, particularly from marginalized communities, which are calling for peace, unity, and justice in order to secure a future of shared, sacred flourishing that lasts for generations.” H.E. Mufti Dr. Nedžad Grabus — Mufti of Sarajevo, Member of the Assembly of the Interreligious Council in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Co-President of Religions for Peace — emphasized the city’s multi-religious harmony, stating, “Sarajevo has an open heart. It is a place of peaceful coexistence between people of different religious beliefs.” Ms. Arnhild Spence, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said, “Bosnia and Herzegovina’s story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. Over the past three decades, its people have worked tirelessly to rebuild communities, strengthen institutions, and embrace diversity. As the United Nations, we are proud to accompany the country on its journey – supporting human rights, fostering social cohesion, and advancing sustainable development and lasting peace.” H.E. Mr. George Andreas Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece (2009 – 2011), delivered a special address reminding the world that peace begins with our shared will. “When we speak of peace and war, we must remember — It is not destiny. It is a choice. And it’s time to choose peace…Let us choose wisely. Let us choose peace and build a future worthy of the best of us all.”Mr. José Mari Gorroño, Mayor of Gernika, connected two cities that endured conflict — now united in a shared message of remembrance and peace.Mr. Denis Agović, FIBA 3×3 Professional Athlete and Sports Inclusion Advocate, shared how sport builds inclusion, resilience, and peace. “Through sport, I found strength and purpose. It teaches respect, teamwork, and solidarity — values we need for peace.”Bringing the voice of civil society to the conversation, Mr. Martí Olivella, Promoter of Social Innovation, urged all stakeholders to commit: “War is a human decision and what humans decide, humans can abolish.”Sarajevo Joint Statement: Moving from Words to ActionThe gathering concluded with Mr. Moratinos presenting the Sarajevo Joint Statement, a united call to translate commitments into action. The Statement reaffirms the collective responsibility to reject war, restore trust in international law, and nurture a culture of peace through education, inclusion, and solidarity. (Read the joint statement here.)By gathering in Sarajevo and issuing this call for peace, the initiative reinforces that peace is not simply the absence of war — it is the active presence of justice, empathy, and shared humanity. The global movement continues to grow, guided by the conviction that remembrance must fuel renewal, and dialogue must lead to concrete change.

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10 October 2025

SDG Week in BiH 2025: From Commitments to Impact

The SDG Week is a national platform that brings together government institutions, local communities, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners to promote and accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Held under the theme “From Commitments to Impact: Accelerating the SDGs in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, this year’s SDG Week will highlight how collaboration, innovation, and local action are turning national strategies into tangible results that improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect the planet.With only five years remaining until 2030, the world stands at a pivotal moment in implementing the 2030 Agenda. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, SDG Week 2025 will focus on how evidence-based policies, inclusive partnerships, and local initiatives can translate national strategies into measurable progress across all 17 Goals.The opening event will take place on 20 October at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on how the SDG Framework guides the country’s reform efforts and contributes to inclusive and sustainable growth.Throughout the week, discussions and activities across the country will explore some of the most pressing development priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina, from social inclusion, youth empowerment, gender equality, and education, to green transition, digital transformation, and responsible economic growth. Participants will examine how these areas interconnect and how stronger collaboration can accelerate progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda.To foster regional cooperation and knowledge exchange, SDG Week 2025 will also feature perspectives from neighbouring countries and the European Union, encouraging dialogue on shared challenges and innovative approaches to sustainable development across the Western Balkans.SDG Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a platform for meetings, consultations, and discussions aimed at promoting the Sustainable Development Goals in the country. It serves as a United Nations instrument to support the SDG Council in BiH in raising awareness and engaging key audiences in conversations about success stories, new trends, and lessons learned that drive the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in BiH.The organization of SDG Week in BiH is supported through the programme “Translating the SDG Framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina into Sustainable and Inclusive Growth (SDG2BiH)”, funded by Sweden and implemented by UNDP in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women, under the overall coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina.SDG Week 2025 aims to be a carbon-positive event, offsetting its CO₂ footprint through the TvojCO2.ba digital carbon offsetting platform. For every confirmed participant, UN agencies will plant a tree, going beyond carbon neutrality to ensure that each event contributes positively to the environment.For the detailed programme of SDG Week 2025, visit zamisli2030.ba/sdg-week-2025.

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18 September 2025

My vision for a world without barriers

Nadina Imamović is a UN Volunteer Programme Associate with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she brings both personal insight and professional strength to promote disability rights. Her journey began long before her current role. In high school, she joined the U.S. Department’s Youth Exchange and Study programme, spending ten months in Ohio and earning recognition as Student of the Month. That was the beginning of her social activism and what she calls her "power of giving back.” Nadina has two degrees in social work from the University of Sarajevo. Through student exchanges, she connected with people from all walks of life, especially persons with disabilities—learning firsthand about their needs and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Those friendships still support her today.Having low vision, she knows that inclusion isn't just about access—it's about being seen, heard, and empowered. And that's why her UN Volunteer role is an avenue for her to highlight the voices of persons with disabilities. She supports the UNDP Inclusion Strategy, sharing real-life experiences with the UN Country Team, and working with disability organizations and civil society.Becoming a UN Volunteer is deeply meaningful to me. It has allowed me to contribute to an organization that protects human rights, grow both personally and professionally, and support my own community in a way that promotes dignity and aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.Outside the UN system, persons with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina face widespread segregation in all aspects of life, including employment. According to the Disability and Poverty in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as of 2017, more than 350,000 individuals with disabilities of the 569,000 registered themselves as unemployed. They remain highly marginalized, often facing stigma and exclusion from the labour market, which in turn limits their access to healthcare, housing, education, and more.Persons with disabilities are often employed only in special schools, sheltered workshops, or disability associations. This limits opportunities to build connections, friendships, and collaborations with people without disabilities.Nadina wants to be part of real change—a world without barriers, a society that's inclusive not only in theory, but in practice. For her, volunteerism is a powerful tool for inclusion—especially when many volunteers are involved across different areas. “This can be done not only through UNV but also through many support services. One example is the global support service Be My Eyes, where volunteers use a mobile app to provide support in everyday activities,” says Nadina. I believe the UN is an organization that offers exceptional opportunities and support for us to become the best versions of ourselves and to make a significant contribution to the societies we live in. Collective action is extremely important. Only through joint efforts and activism can we create a society where everyone is included, satisfied, and happy.Originally published on unv.org.

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28 August 2025

Women as big as mountains: In mountain rescue services everyone contributes equally

Through the “Women, Peace and Security” Agenda, which has been implemented in BiH since 2010, and recently with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), attention is drawn to the irreplaceable role of women in creating safer communities. Members of mountain rescue services have for years shown the courage to, regardless of risk, provide help to those who need it most. On International Mountain Rescue Day (marked on August 28), we spoke with Matilda Anđelić, member of the Mountain Rescue Service – GSS Konjic Station, and Arina Bešlagić and Nisada Višća, members of the Mountain Rescue Service – GSS Sarajevo Station. Being a member of the mountain rescue service usually implies that a person already has developed emotions towards nature, especially the mountains. Is that the case with you, and can you briefly explain how that love was born?

Matilda: When you are lucky enough to be born under Prenj mountain, by that very fact you are predisposed to love mountains. I was also lucky that my parents were mountaineers, they hiked a lot, and taught us to love nature from an early age. For more than 20 years I have been a member of a mountaineering club, I hike in the mountains, and now being in nature gives me such peace, pure zen. I work with a lot of people and the mountain is my rest from everything. In that way a person pushes their limits, talks with themselves. Nisada: Yes – there is a connection between mountaineering and Mountain Rescue Service (GSS). Through the history of GSS we see that in the past only the most experienced mountaineers could be mountain rescuers. Today that has changed a little, but still, if you are not connected with nature and the mountain, you will not even feel the need to become a mountain rescuer or do some volunteer work related to nature. I grew up in nature, in the countryside, and regular trips to the mountain, outings, and walks were implied. That continued through the school mountaineering section and the mountaineering club. Arina: When I was in primary school, we had a scout section and I, of course, wanted to join. We went camping at Jablaničko Lake and on the second day I wanted to go home because I could not bear to live in a tent for the next seven to ten days, and I said never again. I believe there is a right time for all of us. Now nature is something I enjoy. So, my story is a little different. Why did you decide to join the mountain rescue service, what was the main motive, and what does it mean to you today to be a member of such a team? Matilda: Earlier, the mountain rescue service was not a separate legal category, but a section within a mountaineering club. When the mountain rescue services separated, I joined the Konjic station immediately when it was founded. For me that was a logical step because I had already been a member of the mountaineering club for years. Since the mountain rescue service is exclusively about volunteerism - we do not receive any compensation - I think the only motive for everyone, including me, is to help people in trouble. That is the empathy a person has inside. Arina: I worked in the Sector for Protection and Rescue within the BiH Ministry of Security on administrative, logistical, and coordination tasks. That sector did not have an operational rescue team, but I closely cooperated with entity civil protection administrations and the Public Safety Department of Brčko District. I could not be a member of the field team because there are conditions for being part of civil protection rescue teams that I did not meet. To better understand the needs of rescue teams, I decided to join the mountain rescue service and at the same time help and also understand how teams actually function, and understand their needs when they request something from the administration. Nisada: I am not originally from Sarajevo, and in my town, there was no mountain rescue service, so when I learned more and found out about GSS, I realized that I could use my love for mountains to help someone. I believe that helping others in trouble is the greatest act of humanity and we should use it if we already do mountaineering. Is there a rescue operation that particularly left its mark on you, maybe even tested your strength and courage? How did you overcome the obstacles in that situation? Nisada: We had one intense and exhausting operation in bad weather conditions, where it was very cold with strong winds, and visibility was minimal. But the motivation and focus on the person we were searching for kept us focused and moving. Our training and team harmony helped us a lot because when you see everyone giving their maximum, then you also give your all because you cannot and must not do less. That operation left a big mark on me, especially since it had a negative outcome. I would also mention the operation in Turkey during the 2023 earthquake. The scenes we saw and experienced there are something none of us had encountered before, and I hope we never will again. It was difficult in the field, but we all endured stoically, although it left consequences we felt when we returned home. Matilda: The operations of my team, since we live in Konjic, are usually stressful, distant, and in the mountains. The challenges are always endurance and strength because mountain rescue saves people in inaccessible terrain where an ambulance cannot reach. We had a night operation when we climbed Cetina; unfortunately, we knew a colleague had died, but we had to reach him and retrieve him. I have never been colder in my life, I think it was February, we spent around 12 hours at minus 15. All those challenges are overcome through teamwork. In our station we talk a lot, we are there for each other, after every operation we have a briefing where we talk, and respect emotions. Arina: That was one of the first search and rescue operations for me. When we found the person, unfortunately, he was dead, he had died of a heart attack. We could not influence that, only if we had found him at that very moment could we have tried to save him. Sometimes things happen like that. Later, I saw a woman I recognized approaching, who was the sister of the deceased person. That was the hardest for me. She just ran to me, and that was the moment when I realized how weak I am, but that I must overcome it and be strong for that person and for the whole family, and somehow suppress my own emotions. Because the family expects us to dedicate ourselves to them, not to ourselves, and we are not important at that moment. The biggest mark on all of us from BiH who were part of the rescue team was left by the earthquake in February 2023 in Turkey. I think we are not yet ready to talk about what we saw and the way each of us experienced it. I know I am not. Are there additional challenges that women in GSS face compared to men? Arina: As for physical exertion, we somehow carry it equally. Our colleagues will never allow us to carry a 200-meter rope, they will step in, but all the courses we go through are the same. Some handle it more easily, some harder, but I think the biggest barrier is mental, and the ego we will overcome by asking a colleague to help us. What is most important in the field is that we are safe, that our colleagues are safe, and then comes everything else. I think women contribute with empathy and conversation, we have a women's instinct, and gather the team. We keep things gentler and make it easier to endure rescue operations or very stressful situations. Nisada: The advantage of a woman is that she can react a little better emotionally if we have, for example, a search operation. There we have family members who are worried and desperate, and somehow we calm them better than male colleagues because we pay more attention to such things. But as for participating in operations themselves, sometimes there are prejudices when a woman joins GSS, in the sense that someone thinks she is not physically ready and strong enough for certain tasks. But through the quality of work itself, expertise, and readiness to go out into the field shoulder to shoulder, those differences and prejudices are lost and mutual respect in the team is built. Matilda: We had an operation in the Rakitnica canyon, a British citizen fell, broke her leg. We immobilized her leg and carried her for hours. I happened to be the only woman in the team, and at one point I asked her if she needed to go to the toilet, to which she said she did. She could not get up from the stretcher, and I told the guys let’s put her down, everyone, move away, so I could help her, undress her, and return her to the stretcher. That is just one example of how important the presence of women is in the mountain rescue service team. That women's attention stands out especially if the injured person is a woman. We have the strength to calm, comfort, even hug those in distress. What does the path to joining GSS look like, what conditions must you meet, and what are the duties and responsibilities that come with membership? Nisada: Unfortunately, in BiH we do not have a law that regulates the work of mountain rescue services and requires that all have the same standards, so I can speak for the Sarajevo Station. First, we have a public call where anyone can apply, with certain requirements such as being of legal age, physical fitness, practicing some outdoor sport. After the introductory interview with all candidates, basic training begins, which lasts at least six to eight months and is very intensive. When you successfully complete this training, you become a member of the station and obtain the title of candidate for trainee. This gives you the right to participate in courses organized by the GSS Federation of BiH, as our umbrella association, after which you acquire the title of trainee. The trainee period lasts two years. This means that the person is very active, and also has the right to participate more actively in operations. The period of training, courses, and trainee status is already a period of at least five to six years, after which you have the right to take the exam for mountain rescuer, which is very demanding and includes everything learned until then, in both winter and summer conditions. Matilda: Duties and responsibilities are big. You must practice some type of activity that involves being in nature – mountaineering, alpinism, cycling, and/or other activities that contribute to rescue operations. You must be ready to respond at any time to help. You also need to safeguard the privacy of the rescued person because it is not up to us to decide whether the public will find something out before the family does. You must continuously improve your own psychophysical abilities, knowledge, and skills necessary for rescue. What would you say to girls and women who are thinking about practising mountaineering and exploring nature, but maybe also dream of becoming members of GSS? What should they keep in mind? Matilda: Join the mountain rescue service. You will certainly acquire skills that will make you love yourself. Being part of a team that saved a life is invaluable, above all, personal satisfaction. Contact the mountain rescue station in your city, it will be an honor for us to have you, girls, in the team. Arina: What we need to have is the ability to build selflessness and generosity within ourselves. It is fine to put yourself first, but at the same time, the most important thing, not only in the mountain rescue service, but generally in life, is to treat others with respect because everyone can contribute - whether they work in administration, logistics, rock rescue, or a specialization such as diving, water, and underwater rescue. Building a career through mountain rescue is not possible, it is done voluntarily, and it really requires going into it with heart and soul. Nisada: I would tell girls not to think in terms that gender should be a question of whether they can or cannot do something. The most important thing is that a girl is ready to dedicate herself because this is a very long and intensive process that requires a lot of sacrifice, effort, and learning. It is important that the person is a team player because here, one person alone cannot do anything. You can be perfect in rescue techniques or first aid, but if you are not a team player and do not work with colleagues, you cannot do anything. Women can, if they want, do everything equally as men. The initiative “Women Lead the Way Towards Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, is supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and jointly implemented by UN Women, UNFPA, and IOM on behalf of the United Nations in BiH in partnership with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Press Release

10 December 2025

EU and UN join forces for EUR 7.5 million project to strengthen prevention and response to gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The programme is one of the key pillars of the Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA) - a joint programme supported by the European Union, Sweden, and Denmark, and implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF as part of the United Nations’ cooperation with institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.Over three days, representatives of line ministries, social welfare and justice institutions, police, health services, safe houses, survivor-led and women’s rights organisations, as well as organisations working with Roma communities, women with disabilities, LGBTQI+ people, youth and faith communities, worked together to identify gaps and design a concrete pathway for a survivor-centred system of protection and support in every community. The roadmap aims to ensure that over the next three and a half years, the current fragmented and isolated responses to gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina evolve into a coordinated system of protection that is centred on survivors and supports their economic empowerment. It focuses on establishing effective coordination and a shared information system among police, justice, social welfare, health services, and safe houses, as well as other local support services such as public kitchens, which can provide emergency material assistance and play a role in referring women to relevant institutions. It also prioritises the introduction of trauma-informed practice and the creation of sustainable economic pathways for women who have survived violence. Furthermore, the roadmap emphasises long-term partnerships with communities and groups facing multiple forms of discrimination to drive shifts in social norms and reduce tolerance for violence.“Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken on clear obligations through the Istanbul Convention and the Law on Gender Equality, yet many women still experience violence and do not receive equal protection. The EU programme and the entire Gender Equality Accelerator are crucial to building a coordinated, multisectoral response and turning those commitments into real safety and support for all women, especially those most marginalised,” said Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina of the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH. The programme will help make services safer, more accessible, and more supportive for women who experience violence, from social protection and health care to justice and policies. It will also back key legal reforms, improve the economic environment for survivors, and work with civil society and local community partners to shift social norms that enable violence. “Ending violence against women and girls is a core European value and a requirement on the country’s EU path. With an investment of EUR 7.5 million, the European Union is supporting stronger institutional responses to gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including safer services, support to survivors, and economic opportunities for women. This project also supports key reforms that Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to implement, from human rights and anti-discrimination to social protection and the rule of law, because violence against women and girls has no place in our society”, stated Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Launched during the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the consultative event comes at a time of rising concern over femicides and other forms of violence against women and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Gender Equality Accelerator was developed in response to this alarming trend, and the EU “Gender and Social Assistance Programme” is a central part of the joint effort to ensure that institutions work together, earlier and more effectively, to prevent violence and protect survivors.“Violence against women in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains an urgent challenge, with gaps in protection and support leaving many survivors without timely help, as reflected in the 2025 EU Progress Report. The launch of the EU Gender and Social Assistance Programme marks an important step in addressing these gaps, by strengthening services for the most vulnerable women – especially Roma women, women with disabilities, and women in rural areas,” said Jo-Anne Bishop, UN Women Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The priorities identified during this consultative launch will now guide implementation of the EU “Gender and Social Assistance Programme” and broader “Gender Equality Accelerator”, translating dialogue into concrete action.

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Press Release

03 December 2025

Local communities must provide a stronger response to digital violence against women

The panel “From Online Hate to Real-Life Consequences” is part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. This year’s campaign is jointly implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF, in partnership with the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and civil society organizations. The campaign is carried out through the joint Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA) programme, in partnership with the European Union, Sweden, and Denmark, within the framework of cooperation between the United Nations and the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of advancing gender equality and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  The event in Bijeljina was organized in partnership with Lara Foundation, an organization that, through its many years of work, has provided support and guidance to many women seeking to break free from the cycle of violence. Nataša Kurtuma, head of the office at the Lara Foundation, explains that technological development has not only brought benefits, but also created additional space for manipulation and abuse. She notes that it is increasingly common for the women who use their services to have experienced digital violence in addition to other forms of abuse. “Besides the direct victims, the process also draws in family members and friends, which makes the harm even greater. The consequences are severe and can often be extremely dangerous, especially the psychological ones, because we are talking about younger groups of people who are often very unstable and immature, which can result in self-harm or even suicide,” emphasized Nataša Kurtuma.Adequate support for survivors of digital violence is possible only if there is cooperation among various institutions and support services within local communities. Therefore, in the coming period, it will be necessary to further strengthen support services and ensure more active involvement of various stakeholders. “Local governments have relatively limited mandates in this area, but it is necessary, through our influence and in cooperation with educational institutions and other organizations, to work on raising awareness about this serious issue, as well as initiating changes to certain legal acts or introducing new ones, and creating appropriate mechanisms for the early detection of all forms of digital violence,” said Radoslav Ostojić, advisor to the Mayor of Bijeljina. The digital sphere should be a supportive environment for all girls and young women, offering them space to further develop and grow. Unfortunately, young women often experience the opposite, developing insecurity and a sense that this space is not meant for them.“This is a serious societal issue, because a society in which women withdraw out of fear becomes a society in which their voices are missing – to the detriment of all of us. Institutions are increasingly confronted with these problems, yet clear protocols, rapid responses, and coordinated action are still lacking. That is why the cooperation we are building here in Bijeljina through the work of the Lara Foundation and local partners is crucial for recognizing, reporting, and preventing digital violence,” said Nina Kovač, Programme Specialist and Head of Programmes at UN Women BiH.The citizens of Bijeljina also had the opportunity to view an exhibition of illustrations by young Banja Luka–based artist Nataša Konjević, dedicated to digital violence against women. Until the end of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign, a series of events will be held in cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through public discussions, artistic performances, and publication launches, these activities aim to send a clear message to the public: “Digital violence is real violence”.

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Press Release

03 December 2025

United Nations urge full implementation of disability rights and inclusive policies across Bosnia and Herzegovina

This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” underscores the importance of building inclusive societies where persons with disabilities can fully participate. There are 1.3 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, while, according to the 2013 Census data, approximately 8.33 per cent of BiH’s population lives with some form of disability. The full and equitable participation of persons with disabilities in political, social, economic and cultural life is not only a human rights obligation but also a cornerstone of a fair and inclusive society.Inclusive employment and decent work for persons with disabilities must be a shared priority across public institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Employment enables independence, autonomy, and participation in society, and ensures that persons with disabilities can contribute to the economy and benefit equally. We urge employers, particularly in the private sector, to expand opportunities, adopt inclusive recruitment and retention practices, and invest in accessible workplaces. The United Nations will continue strengthening its own practices as a fully inclusive employer by removing physical, informational, and digital barriers and creating an enabling work environment.The United Nations calls on authorities at all levels to implement Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international human rights obligations and commitments as well as domestic legislation that prohibits discrimination and promotes equality, including the anti-discrimination law, and the law on gender equality. We also call on authorities to harmonize and improve any laws and policies relevant to the rights of persons with disabilities. The fourth Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina gave rise to 19 recommendations to strengthen disability inclusion, ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in political, economic, social, and cultural life, and address discrimination in education, employment, health care, and social protection. Progress requires that the priorities of organizations of persons with disabilities guide action. These priorities, some of them highlighted at the Third Congress of Persons with Disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the call for expanded access to assistive technologies, must shape policy and practice. Strengthened partnerships with organizations of persons with disabilities, participatory approaches, and continuous multi-stakeholder dialogues are essential to ensuring that the implementation of SDG commitments is inclusive and fulfills the rights of persons with disabilities. The United Nations urges all institutions, service providers, and community actors to recognize and address the intersectional discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities – especially women, children, Roma, and LGBTIQ+ persons. Discrimination limits access to education, healthcare, employment, public services, as well as participation in cultural life and recreational activities, and increases exclusion and the risk of abuse. Inclusion is not charity but an imperative, as well as smart, sustainable development.Adequate financial support for families with children is essential to prevent poverty, expand high-quality community-based services, and reduce the institutionalization of persons with disabilities. Particular attention must be paid to preventing discrimination and violence against children with disabilities, including introducing strong anti-discrimination policies, accessible complaint mechanisms, and robust child protection systems. Breaking patterns of exclusion requires applying inclusive approaches, adopting and enforcing human rights–based policies, and ensuring that information and services are accessible to all. The United Nations will continue integrating these principles into its own work and calls on partners to do the same – advancing efforts to reduce inequalities and secure equitable access for all. Through its Disability Inclusion Working Group, the United Nations remains committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in meeting its human rights obligations, including in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, and its Leaving No One Behind Principle, and as a result of its Universal Periodic Review. We will continue providing technical assistance, supporting inclusive policies and practices, facilitating multisector and multistakeholder dialogue, and building capacities to uphold these standards. We call on everyone – government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and citizens – to prioritize inclusion, accessibility, and dignity.UN BiH Resident Coordinator on behalf of United Nations Country Team in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Press Release

28 November 2025

Digital violence against women must be taken seriously

Although online violence can severely undermine the health and daily functioning of those who experience it, Bosnia and Herzegovina still lacks a developed institutional support system, and society continues to underestimate this form of violence. This message was emphasized today at the panel discussion “Safe Digital Spaces: How Can Bosnia and Herzegovina Stop Online Violence?”.  This year’s campaign is jointly implemented by UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF, in partnership with the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH and civil society organizations. The campaign is carried out through the joint Gender Equality Accelerator (GEA) programme, in partnership with the European Union, Sweden, and Denmark, within the framework of the cooperation between the United Nations and the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of advancing gender equality and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Harmonizing BiH policies with international standards, especially the Istanbul Convention, remains a priority, as does strengthening the capacities of all institutions working to prevent and prosecute violence against women. Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, director of the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH, emphasized that the specialized support the country must ensure includes safe protection mechanisms, psychological and legal assistance, and effective channels for reporting both online and offline violence.  “We welcome the introduction of criminal offences related to the non-consensual sharing of intimate content by entity lawmakers, but it is essential to continue regulating other forms of digital violence, such as online threats, cyberstalking, and manipulation with fabricated digital content,” said Samra Filipović-Hadžiabdić, Director of the Agency.  Worldwide, 117 countries have adopted various measures to prevent digital violence, but harmful narratives and reduced support for women’s CSOs are slowing progress.  “Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is real violence, and its impact on women and girls is profound. As we open this year’s 16 Days of Activism, we call for stronger protection online, survivor-centered services, and coordinated action across institutions. One in two women in BiH experiences violence in her lifetime - this must compel us to act with urgency. The United Nations stands with Bosnia and Herzegovina in creating safe digital spaces and ensuring that every woman and girl can live free from violence,” said Arnhild Spence, UN Resident Coordinator in BiH.  The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to BiH, Adebayo Babajide, stated that the European Union will continue its work on preventing gender-based violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  “Recently, we established a partnership with UN Women, UNDP, UNICEF, and UNFPA, securing 7.5 million euros that will be directed towards addressing the root causes of gender-based violence in BiH, as well as providing direct support to safe houses and survivors. We are investing in the economic empowerment of women so they can achieve economic independence from perpetrators. I believe it is important that this campaign has placed focus on combating gender-based violence in the online sphere, highlighting how the digital space can be a major facilitator of violence against women,” Babajide said.  Ambassador of Denmark to BiH, Age Sandal Moller, stated that this country remains a committed partner to BiH in its efforts to strengthen protection for women and girls from all forms of violence.  “At a time when we are increasingly confronted with challenges in the digital space, it is essential that we work together to create an environment in which women and girls can participate freely and without fear. During the 16 Days of Activism, we reaffirm our readiness to continue supporting institutions and civil society in these important efforts,” said Ambassador Moller.  Throughout this year’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, events will be held in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Mostar, East Sarajevo, Tuzla, and Brčko. Citizens will be able to attend public discussions, art exhibitions, and performances, as well as the promotion of publications focused on protection from gender-based violence. 

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Press Release

27 November 2025

Srebrenica Conference Brings Global Voices for Justice and Remembrance

Over two days, representatives of institutions, international organisations, civil society, academia, and media engaged in discussions on mechanisms of justice, genocide denial, the role of education in preserving memory, and the importance of collective remembrance for building trust and reconciliation.The conference was opened by representatives of the organising associations and high-level officials.Munira Subašić, President of the Movement “Mothers of the Enclaves of Srebrenica and Žepa”, stated that the victims’ associations at this conference want to send a clear message to institutions that responsibility must be taken for genocide denial and the glorification of war criminals.“We want to send a clear message, especially to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which are most responsible for the situation in BiH, most responsible for genocide denial and for glorifying war criminals. When we have a judiciary and prosecution as they should be in BiH, there will be truth and justice, trust and reconciliation,” Subašić said. Denis Bećirović, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanked the Mothers of Srebrenica and reminded everyone of the importance of the United Nations Resolution on Srebrenica, which established the International Day of Remembrance for the Genocide in Srebrenica, and thanks to which memory is preserved and the message of reconciliation is spread.“Memory must serve to prevent future evil. Our messages are never messages of hatred and revenge, but messages of reconciliation, seeking truth and justice, and this conference also serves that purpose,” Bećirović emphasized. Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina stated that the European Union calls for stronger regional commitment to ending impunity and bringing justice to the victims of war crimes. “It is our duty to preserve truth, honour the victims, and pursue justice. Bosnia and Herzegovina has made important progress in prosecuting genocide and war crimes, yet challenges remain: limited regional cooperation, suspects beyond the reach of the BiH judiciary, and the passing of time. The EU therefore calls for stronger regional commitment to ending impunity, greater willingness to ensure prosecutions and for use of the existing cooperation protocols. Judicial results alone, however, cannot heal the society. As denial and revisionism grow, protection of truth remains a moral imperative”, as underlined by Soreca. Julian Reilly, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasised that the United Kingdom will continue to stand with BiH, through partnerships with civil society, support for initiatives including the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, and advocacy for justice and accountability. “At the Balkan Process Summit, the Western Balkans leaders reaffirmed their commitment to reconciliation through the Joint Declaration on Good Neighbourly Relations. These are a promise to confront the past honestly, reject denial and revisionism, and build a future rooted in mutual trust. Those commitments must now be translated into concrete steps. This is a responsibility shared by regional governments, local communities, and international partners. Together, we can – and must - ensure the legacy of Srebrenica is not division, but resilience, reconciliation, and hope”, noted Reilly adding that the UK remains deeply committed to this agenda. Arnhild Spence, Resident Coordinator of United Nations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that it is a great honor to stand today with the Mothers of Srebrenica and survivors, who for three decades have tirelessly pursued truth, justice, and dignity, and to speak at this important conference organized with the support of the EU-funded regional programme implemented by UNDP. “Last week, the Flower of Srebrenica memorial was inaugurated at United Nations Headquarters, honoring the lives lost in the Srebrenica genocide and reminding us of our collective responsibility to preserve remembrance and counter denial. These efforts are at the heart of the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, which supports initiatives that uphold truth and justice and help build the foundations of peace that endure for future generations”, noted Spence. Throughout the conference, participants exchanged experiences and recommendations for advancing transitional justice and confronting the past through panel discussions, a book promotion and a documentary screening.The event was organised with the support of the regional project “EU Support to Confidence Building in the Western Balkans”, funded by the European Union, and the project “Strengthening the Process of Transitional Justice in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Government of the United Kingdom. Both projects are implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The conference is co-financed by the Government of the Federation of BiH, the Ministry for Veterans and Disabled Veterans of the Defensive-Liberation War, and is under the patronage of the member of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Bećirović.

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