Active 

Individual measure to strengthen the response capacity to manage migration flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina

This project builds on the three phases of the EU Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Contract number 2020/417-356.). This Individual Measure will be implemented over the course of three years with the overall objective to transition to sustainable, locally-, and state-owned mixed migration response and management. The first two years of the Action will serve as a transition phase during which capacity building will take place while progressively transferring responsibilities to the state.

The project also contributed to the reinforcement of the capacities of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Sector for Asylum and the Border Police (Ministry of Security of BiH). Lastly, locally identified and driven initiatives promoted social cohesion among refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants and host communities.

The table below provides information on contractors and Grant Beneficiaries for contracts over € 15,000.00 for the “Individual measure to strengthen the response capacity to manage migration flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (Agreement No. 2022/435-616), as per the General Conditions applicable to EU Delegation agreements.”

 

Download the table here.

Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Phase III

“The overall objective of the Action is to support BiH in the areas of migration, reception and border management in the context of increasing numbers of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, who for the purpose of this document will be referred to as Persons of Concern (PoC), who have been transiting through the country since the end of 2017. The Action will be subject to a Multi-Partner Contribution Agreement between the European Union (EU) and IOM, UNICEF, UNHCR, and UNFPA.  
The Action focused primarily to maintain ongoing activities supporting the coordination and management of reception centres[1], provide for the basic food and shelter needs of PoCs, including water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and facilitate access to protection services. Special attention will be given to persons with vulnerabilities and special needs, such as children, in particular Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC), single parents traveling with children, single women, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable individuals through improved identification and referral pathways. 
The project also contributed to the reinforcement of the capacities of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Sector for Asylum and the Border Police (Ministry of Security of BiH). Lastly, locally identified and driven initiatives promoted social cohesion among refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants and host communities.

The table below provides information on contractors and Grant Beneficiaries for contracts over € 10,000.00 for the “Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Phase III” (Agreement No. 2020/417-356), as per the General Conditions applicable to EU Delegation agreements.”
 

Download the table here.

 

[1] Reception centres refer to the Government managed Asylum and Refugee Reception Centres and Temporary Reception Centres. The Action will not support the closed Immigration Centre. 

Western Balkans Integrated Border Management Capacity Building Facility (WBIBM)
 

The project “Western Balkans Integrated Border Management Capacity Building Facility (WBIBM)” implemented by IOM and financed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark aims to support the authorities in the Western Balkans (WB) to effectively manage their borders and respond to border security challenges mindful of migrant protection principles.

Through this project, IOM will contribute to enhancing border management among WB authorities and supporting their effective rights-based response to border security challenges through digitalization of the identity and border management systems and procedures; building capacity in addressing document and identity fraud, including through regional trend analysis; facilitating the adoption and implementation of international standards related to passenger data (API/PNR); development of relevant policy and operational guidelines on humanitarian border management and management of ill travelers potentially ill with COVID-19 at Points of Entry (PoEs); and development of robust fundamental rights monitoring and compliance mechanisms at international borders.

The 36-month project is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia and Kosovo*, under the overall coordination and management of IOM Belgrade.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

Fact sheet English

Regional Support to Protection Sensitive Migration Management in the Western Balkans and Turkey

Overall objective of the project is to close existing gaps and operationalize a comprehensive migration management system in the Western Balkan by complementing national efforts and improve the capacity of IPA II-Beneficiaries to offer a protection sensitive response to mixed migratory flows.

The Migration Translation Application (MiTA) is a smartphone application, developed by the IOM, UN Migration Agency, that allows migration management officials in the Western Balkans to access a basic interpretation service with pre-determined and pre-recorded questions during first contact with migrants.

Learn more about the Migration Translation Application (MiTA).

Providing Support to Youth in Local Communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The most pertinent risk in Bosnia and Herzegovina concerning radicalization is that young people may be drawn to join extremist groups as foreign fighters, ostensibly on a religiously ideological basis, but often driven – at least in part – by political, social, economic marginalization and a sense of injustice resulting from this. The push factors that can lead to radicalization in BiH are wide ranging, and include the issue of social marginalization of communities, a sense of injustice amongst young people, long term and structural youth unemployment; the general lack of social amenities, perceived historical injustices, and a weak social security system.

The UK intervention will support the engagement of community liaison points, capacitated young people in each community that will ensure access and facilitate activities, as well as provide critical support to direct monitoring activities within the field.

  1. Support Inception Phase Assessment and Analysis in order to understand drivers of radicalization/factors of resilience and develop tailored interventions to address drivers of radicalization based upon findings.
  2. Support monitoring, analysis, and the measurement of impact
  3. Support the design and implementation of tailored psychosocial support for at-risk of radicalization in targeted communities
  4. Support implementation in the field through Community Liaison Points

The overall objective of the project is to contribute to a strengthened evidence base for CVE programming based upon strong monitoring and analysis of community level interventions.

Fact Sheet English

Enhancing Preparedness for Migration Management Through Contingency Planning in the Western Balkans

In response to the growing prominence of the Western Balkans as part of the Eastern Mediterranean migration route, this project proposes to enhance the capacity of the targeted countries in the management of mixed migration lows and by ensuring that appropriate and timely assistance and protection can be provided to all transiting vulnerable migrants and asylum seeker. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to governments capacity and preparedness to manage mass mixed migration flows by ensuring that appropriate and timely assistance and protection can be provided to all vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers transiting through Western Balkans.

Fact Sheet English

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is one of the core support activities provided by IOM to migrants and Memeber States and is likely to increase in the years to come in both volumes and complexity. Top 10 host countries in 2015 represented 85 % of total, with Germany representing more than half of the total. It is worth mentioning that the AMIF (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) gap has impacted the number of returns from EU Member States in 2015. IOM works to stengthen cooperation with its UN partners in the area of human trafficking as a member of the Inter-agency Coordination group against Trafficking in Person (ICAT). AVRR includes the administrative, logistical and financial support provided to migrants unable or unwilling to remain in the host country who volunteer to return to their countries of origin and, where possible, supported with reintegration measures.

The purpose of this project is to facilitate the voluntary return of irregular migrants standed in Bosnia and Herzegovina to their respective countries of origin. The project will assist migrants to return their home countries in a safe and dignified manner. Furthermore, as BiH continues to develop its capacities in migration management, this project will incorporate new activities to that end. In order to strengthen the BiH Government ownerhip over the irregular migration management, as well as to ensure over the time and as feasible progressive funding of the AVR activitiesm, the project will set up a Steering Board composed of the Ministry of Security, SDC and eventually other AVR doors, with IOM acting as a secretary of the Steering Board.

The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the return mechanism and support voluntary return of irregular migrants standed in BiH thereby contributing to the prevention of onward irregular migration management in general.

Fact Sheet English

Swedish Medical Programme (SMP)

IOM facilitates visits of Swedish medical teams to perform complex operations together with local colleagues. Based on an assessment of the most frequently occurring medical evacuations, the Swedish teams are sent to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) to target those specialities in most urgent need of assistance. The Swedish teams screen, evaluate, and provide treatment for patients in BH who would otherwise need to be evacuated for medical care. Thus, the Swedish Medical Programme builds the capacity of local medical institutions aiming to support the establishment of a sustainable regional solution for diagnostics and treatment of children with heart malformations in BH. These activities include providing on-the-job training and sharing experiences through seminars, workshops, and lectures, as well as through donations of medical equipment. Health professionals from BH further collaborate with the Swedish medical teams, participating in preoperative investigations, surgeries, postoperative care, and medical follow-ups.

Fact Sheet English

Support to the Immigration and Asylum Management System in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Phase II

As regards the management of migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), the previous decade has constituted a period of success. However, additional support is needed to maintain momentum within these areas and to effectively and efficiently implement the Strategy in the Area of Migrations and Asylum and Action Plan for the Period 2012 - 2015 (Strategy and Action Plan 2015 - 2015).

The overall objective of the project is to further enhance the performance of relevant national government institutions in immigration and asylum management and to increase the quality of services for different categories of migrants and applicants for international protection. The project aims to enhance the system of control of entry and stay of foreigners in BH; strengthen human and technical capacity in the field of immigration and asylum; facilitate better links between migration and development; and enhance the integration of foreigners who legally reside on the territory of BH. Throughout its implementation, the project supports BH in ensuring the compliance of the systems of migration and asylum with EU and international standards and good practices, as well as alignment with the EU acquis, within the context of EU accession process.

The activities of the project are aligned to the Strategy and Action Plan 2012 - 2015, which constitutes not only a coherent national strategy that supports the system of migration and asylum policy, but is also one of the best examples of cooperation at the state level. The development of the Strategy and Action Plan 2012 - 2015 encompassed extensive consultations with all relevant governmental agencies, as well as other relevant stakeholders, and enabled the creation of documents that are thorough and precise in scope and that will assist in promoting greater policy coherence.

Fact Sheet English

Return and Reintegration of Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina from European Countries and Canada

This comprehensive return and reintegration project assists migrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), living in various countries in Europe and in Canada, to return to BH. The project includes migrants who were asylum seekers, those living in an irregular situation, as well as those who were granted international protection or with a residence permit. The project offers information and counselling on voluntary return to BH and assistance with return, reception, and reintegration.

Fact Sheet English

Migrant Health Assessment (MHA)

The Migrant Health Assessment programme within Bosnia and Herzegovina was established in 2002 for nationals leaving the country under resettlement programmes in Australia and Canada. Migrant Health Assessment programme provides the opportunity to promote the health of migrants through the initiation of preventative and curative interventions for conditions that, if left untreated, could have a negative impact on the migrant's health and/or on the public health of the host communities.

Building the Capacities of and Strengthening Cooperation between Law Enforcement Officials of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia

The project has built upon previous interventions within the sphere of cross-border cooperation and focused on the enhanced capacity of Border Police officials from all project locations to further address irregular migration, human and other forms of smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crime, prioritising an enhanced level of cooperation and coordination between border management services. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to reducing the risks of irregular migration and cross-border transgressions at the common borders of the Western Balkan countries, supporting the enhanced security in the region and the Western European countries.

The project has enhanced cross-border cooperation and communication through the implementation of joint patrols and use of mobile units, further harmonising capacities and operating procedures of law enforcement officials in accordance with EU Immigration and Border Management standards, and strengthening the capacities and efficiency of Border Police units in responding to and tackling cross-border crime. 

Fact Sheet English

Canadian Visa Application Centre (CANVAC)

VFS Global manages the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, operated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Sarajevo. The Centre handles all time-consuming administrative tasks of the visa application process and ensures that only properly completed visa applications are submitted along with all required supporting documentation. This reduces the costs and workload for visa and immigration offices and ensures faster visa processing times and improved service standards for visa applicants. This partnership enables visa and immigration officers in Canada to make informed decisions based on complete information and assists officers in focusing upon their core function, adjudicating visas.

Fact Sheet English

Completed

Building Institutional Capacity in the Western Balkans to Deal with Challenges Related to Reintegration, Resocialisation and Rehabilitation of Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (RFTF) and their Families from Conflict Zones

Download the table here.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Resilience Initiative (BHRI)

Twenty-six years after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the country remains divided. The lack of unity continues to undermine progress while limiting socio-economic opportunities, especially among youth. This has contributed to the departure of tens of thousands of young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, despite their potential to build a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Read more here.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Enhancing Social Cohesion in Communities Hosting People On the Move

International Organization for Migration (IOM) and United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are implementing the project “Bosnia and Herzegovina: Enhancing Social Cohesion in Communities Hosting People On the Move”, funded by the European Union Service for Foreign Policy Instrument, through Instrument for Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation (NDICI). This project has a duration of 24 months (1.4.2021-31.03.2023).

The overall goal of the project is to initiate a constructive dialogue between citizens, BiH authorities at all levels, and to provide support to local communities throughout interventions that reduce the tensions, fears and pressures caused by migratory flows. The project aims to offer aid and assistance to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, as well as to local communities and residents from the municipalities that are hosting the migrants. 

The project consists of three types of interventions, such as educating on risk to public health and safety, providing financial backing to host communities, and generating a change of narrative over refugee and migrant issues in the media and public discourse. The project also supports local health institutions with essential protective and other equipment, provides psychosocial support services, and organizes a series of creative and recreational activities. In addition, beneficial initiatives are created for the local population, such as the installation of a public lights system, road reconstruction, renovation of public service buildings, small projects, and cultural and sports events. 

At the end of the 24-month implementation, the activities have significantly contributed to fostering closeness and a better understanding of migrants and the communities in which they live, leading to an increased social cohesion in these communities.
 

 

Download the table here.

Contributing to Evidence-Based Labour Migration Policies for Healthcare and Information and Communication Technology Sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has experienced large migration outflows for many decades. Although comprehensive data on this phenomenon is missing, in the recent years, the number of BiH citizens emigrating has reached alarming proportions. This trend is particularly evident in the healthcare and information communication and technology (ICT) sectors. Despite the high unemployment rate, public institutions and the private sector face challenges in finding and retaining adequate personnel, with a consequent loss for the economy and a negative impact on the welfare system.

Therefore, the overall objective of the project is to contribute to the BiH Government’s efforts to improve migration governance and development of evidence-based policies related to the migration of healthcare and ICT professionals.  This will be achieved by gathering evidence on the scope, trends and impact of the emigration of women and men working in the healthcare and ICT sectors from BiH, making these findings available and providing recommendations to national authorities on how to address the challenges deriving from the situation. In addition, through a participatory approach, the project will also identify and provide seed funding to innovative solutions with the potential to mitigate the effects of brain drain and maintain quality healthcare and ICT services in the country.

To implement this project and ensure its sustainability, IOM will work in close coordination with BiH authorities and other government and non-government stakeholders, including the private sector,  relevant to the fields of labour migration, labour market and economic development, healthcare issues and ICT.

Project fact sheet available in English and BCS language

Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Phase II

The overall objective of the project was to support Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in managing migration flows in the context of increased number of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants entering the country since the end of 2017. The Action is subject to a Contribution Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA and DRC implemented specific activities under selected outputs, directly, as well as through their partners. Through this action, IOM, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA and DRC work to provide for the basic needs and human rights of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. Special attention is given to persons with specific vulnerabilities and needs, such as children, including Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC). The action built on the previously implemented phase and complemented other previous and ongoing efforts of the Government of BiH, International and local organizations.

The action focused primarily on providing for the basic food and shelter/accommodation needs of PoC, including access to water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), through the coordination and management of five temporary reception centres (TRCs) in Una-Sana and Sarajevo Canton, with a combined capacity of up-to 4,999 persons, out of which 1,394 designated for the accommodation of 400 families with children and unaccompanied and separated children.

The project also contributed to the reinforcement of the capacities of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Sector for Asylum and the Border Police (Ministry of Security of BiH). Lastly, locally identified and driven initiatives promoted social cohesion among refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants and host communities. 

This table provides information on contractors and Grant Beneficiaries for contracts over € 15,000.00 for the “Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (Agreement No. 2019/405-095), as per the General Conditions applicable to EU Delegation agreements.

 

Enhancing Capacities and Mechanisms to Identify and Protect Vulnerable Migrants in the Western Balkans

Over the course of 2015, the Western Balkan countries have experienced a sharp increase in numbers of people within mixed migration flows transiting through their territory along the Western Balkan portion of the Eastern Mediterranean migratory route. The mixed migration flows consists of asylum seekers, refugees, and other migrants, including vulnerable migrants, moving towards the EU. The key driving forces behind these flows include conflict and an overall increase in insecurity in the Middle East, Central Asia, and East Africa, as well as deep-rooted economic problems and conditions of poverty.

The overall objective of the project is therefore to strengthen capacities throughout the target region to manage migration and protect vulnerable migrants in a coordinated manner, which is in line with the strategic goals set out in the RRMRP (Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan) launched in January 2016 by IOM and UNHCR.

The proposed project is in the line with the strategic priorities of IOM and UNHCR in the Western Balkans, as well as the Regional Action Plan developed for the Western Balkans, most pertinently the medium and long-term interventions.

Fact Sheet English

Flood recovery – Housing interventions in Republika Srpska

Flood Recovery – Housing Interventions Programme represents the next phase in the European Union’s efforts to alleviate the catastrophic effects of the 2014 floods. The intervention, launched in September 2017, provides durable housing solutions, coupled with improved livelihood opportunities, for the most vulnerable families whose homes were damaged or destroyed in floods and landslides. The Programme, valued at 15 million euro, is funded by the European Union in cooperation with the entity governments of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), Republika Srpska (RS) and partner local governments. The Programme is implemented in 44 municipalities in BiH by UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Republika Srpska, and Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), Hilfswerk International (HWI) the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Read more here. 

Building the Capacities of BH Institutions to Address Mental Health Issues amongst Defence Personnel in Bosnia and Herzegovina - PREVENTIVA

The overall objective of the project is to enhance the capacities of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), the Ministry of Health of Federation BH, and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Republika Srpska (MoHs) in providing a systematic response to mental health issues of current and discharged personnel of the Armed Forces of BH, as well as in the context of deployment in peacekeeping missions.
This project will apply existing international models to support the MoD in the design and implementation of a systematic and sustainable response to the potential negative impacts of past and present war-related experiences on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of discharged and active duty staff of the MoD, as well as those involved in peacekeeping missions. The system established through this intervention will be embedded within the human resources management system of the MoD and linked to the already existing civilian network to ensure self-sustainability, avoid duplications, and ensure cost-effectiveness. Through this link, MoD staff affected by mental health problems related to post-war and service related activities, including deployment in peacekeeping missions, will be identified and referred to relevant institutions for a treatment.

You can find more information on www.preventiva.ba

Fact Sheet English

Countering smuggling of migrants along the Western Balkan coastal route

The project “Countering smuggling of migrants along the Western Balkan coastal route”, financed by Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by IOM BiH aims to enhance the regional cooperation between the beneficiary countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro – and strengthen their institutional capacities, to identify the migrants’ smugglers, effectively investigate the cases of smuggling of migrants,  to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators, and to protect migrants’ rights along the WB coastal route. Through the implementation of this project IOM will build capacities and facilitate closer regional cooperation through:

  1. capacity building of law enforcement and service providers, including through simulations/desktop exercises for joint border patrols and proactive identification of smuggling of migrants along the route;
  2. enhancing joint investigatory capacities of police, prosecutors and existing counter smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings (THB) taskforces, and
  3. raising awareness of migrant vulnerabilities and rights among the local population to reduce potential tensions in transiting hot-spots.

Project fact sheet available here.

Grant agreement available here.

Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Phase I

The overall objective of the project was to support Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in managing migration flows in the context of increased number of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants entering the country since the end of 2017. The project was funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) between September 2018 and April 2019. The project contributed to ensure the basic needs and human rights of refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants present in BiH primarily through the provision of food, accommodation and access to water sanitation and hygiene. During the project, the total accommodation capacity of the country was brought from 1,154 to up-to 4,654 beds through the opening of three reception centres (Bira, Miral and Borići), and the expansion of Ušivak Temporary Reception Centre. The project also ensured protection and assistance services, particularly for those in vulnerable situations, including access to asylum, psychosocial support, health care, guardianship for unaccompanied minors, and education for school-age children. The project also contributed to the reinforcement of the capacities of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Sector for Asylum and the Border Police (Ministry of Security of BiH). Lastly, locally identified and driven initiatives promoted social cohesion among refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants and host communities.

The table provides information on contractors and Grant Beneficiaries for contracts over € 15,000.00 for the “Special Measures to Support the Response to the Refugee and Migrant Situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (Agreement No. 2018/401-625), as per the General Conditions applicable to EU Delegation agreements.

Repair and Reconstruction of Centres for Disabled Children

Children with disabilities remain one of the most vulnerable populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the country suffers from a lack of support services directly aimed at this group. Therefore Centres for Disabled Children can provide children and young people with disabilities the opportunity the maximize their potential to learn, provide supportive environments in which to enjoy educational and recreational activities, as well as providing much needed respite for families. In this context, the main objective of the project was to assist in ensuring that centres for children with disabilities that had been damaged in the floods of 2014 are operating at full capacity.

The project repaired and reconstructed centres for children with disabilities that had been damaged in the floods of May 2014, in order to ensure that these centres can fully resume or commence activities, and also enhance the existing structures, such as through the provision of thermal insulation, in order to reduce costs to be incurred by the relevant authorities in the future. Through these actions the project aimed at ensuring the adequate provision of the day-care support for children with disabilities, through construction and infrastructure interventions aimed at specialized facilities affected by floods and landslides.

Fact Sheet English

Psychosocial Support for Vulnerable Persons Displaced by Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The overall objective of the project was to alleviate the psychosocial effects of the recent floods and consequent displacement in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to reduce psychosocial vulnerabilities and longer-term social pathologies, and ensure contact and engagement, safety and comfort, stabilization, adequate information gathering, and practical assistance in addressing immediate needs and concerns.

The approach of the project aimed to ensure that the diverse psychosocial needs of the range of flood-affected populations are met, whilst capacitating and building the resilience of governmental agencies to meet the psychosocial needs encountered in any future post-disaster context.

Four multidisciplinary mobile teams, aimed to provide psychological first aid and additionally undertake, in a different setting an assessment of the psychosocial impact and most urgent needs of flood-affected populations. The Centres for Mental Health were well capacitated to provide psychiatric and clinical psychological support but did not have requisite staff numbers and field teams to meet the critical and immediate needs of large number of persons displaced by the floods, neither an expertise to look at non pathological emotional outcomes of natural disasters.

Fact Sheet English

Prevention and Awareness-Raising Campaign on Trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina (PARC)

The campaign intended to prevent trafficking activities by providing information and education about the risks and dangers of involvement in trafficking, including the transmission and spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Infections (STDs/STIs) and HIV/AIDS, to youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina, victims of trafficking, users of sexual services, local authorities and media professionals. Nation-wide surveys have been performed for the campaign in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of public awareness and perception of the trafficking phenomenon in BiH. Based on the results obtained from these surveys and other research, IOM, in cooperation with a production and advertising company, has developed an effective plan of activities for the campaign, and is in the process of coordinating partnerships between the key players in the implementation of the campaign.

Fact Sheet English

Building the Capacities of the Ministry of Defence of BiH to provide systematic support in the reintegration of discharged personnel into civilian life within the discharge process

The overall objective of the project was to independently provide systematic support to discharged personnel as an integral part of the discharge process.

The intervention aimed to complement and support NATO efforts by implementing some of those training activities and would be implemented alongside and serve to compliment interventions funded by the UK, US, and NATO. In this context, this intervention has assisted the MoD, through improving capacities to independently monitor and evaluate PERSPEKTIVA Programme activities, and to enhance collaboration among MoD/AF staff employed in the Recruitment and Transition Centres (RCTs) and the MoD/Personnel Transition Support Unit (PTSU), to facilitate effective implementation of activities within the PERSPEKTIVA Programme.

Fact Sheet English

Assessment to Facilitate an Intervention Aiming at: Building the Capacity of BiH Institutions to Address Mental Health Issues amongst Defence Personnel in BiH

In the context of the planned intervention concerning the application of international models to support the Ministry of Defence in the design and implementation of a systematic response to the potential negative impacts of past and present war-related experiences on the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing discharged and active duty staff of the Ministry of Defence, and those involved in peacekeeping missions, assessments have been undertaken to precisely define the terms of the intervention, determine the roles of relevant stakeholders, identify the basic self-sustainable structures to be established within the BiH Ministry of Defence, amend and update the existing project document to be re-submitted to donors for funding. This capacity building initiative builds on ongoing discussions between IOM and BiH MoD on one side and representatives of military and non-military institutions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

The overall objective of the project was to identify the steps required to implement a wider intervention aimed at enhancing the capacities of the MoD and the MoHs to provide a systematic response to mental health issues in current and discharged personnel of the Armed Forces of BiH, and also in relation to their participation to peacekeeping missions.

Fact Sheet English

Cross-Border Returns Between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

The project aimed to organize the voluntary, orderly and sustainable return of refugees displaced by the conflict in former Yugoslavia by providing transport and en-route medical assistance to an estimated 16,000 Croatian and Bosnian refugees. In cooperation with UNHCR and other relevant authorities and agencies, IOM planned to organize the logistics for the return of 8,000 Bosnian refugees in Croatia and 8,000 Croatian refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

Returnees have offered preliminary Go-and-See Visits, in order to assess personally the viability of their decisions to return. The project will undertake the organization of these visits, including all logistics, the co-ordination of security escorts and liaison with all relevant authorities, and assistance with obtaining necessary documentation at return sites.

The project aimed to implement the actual return movements, including the processing of return applications, liaison with all relevant state authorities including customs and border police, transportation of the refugees, their household effects including farming implements and equipment, from the current locations in the host countries to their places of origin. For needy cases, special transportation and medical assistance will be provided. All returnees will receive a repatriation grant on arrival at their final destination.

The overall objective of the project was to contribute to the post-conflict normalization process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, as outlined in Annex 7 of the Dayton Peace Accord, by allowing refugees to return to their homes.

Fact Sheet English

Addressing COVID-19 Challenges Within the Migrant and Refugee Response in the Western Balkans

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by governments to prevent and control the spread of the virus are having an unprecedented impact on mobility, and on border and migration management systems. In the Western Balkans, cross-border movements have been restricted and quarantine or isolation measures were put in place for travelers. With the progressive re-opening of borders, updated procedures for screening and handling ill passengers will become necessary, as well as increased supplies of protective equipment for border police officials, to ensure their safety while not disrupting passengers’ movements. The pandemic also affected around 21,000 migrants, refugees and asylum seekers currently present in the region, putting reception and protection systems under additional pressure.

Read more here.

 

Applying the Human Security Concept to Stabilize Communities in Canton 10

This three-year project seeks to apply the Human Security Concept to stabilize communities in Canton 10 with a particular focus on former refugees and internally displaced persons who have returned to Canton 10 and face particular challenges and hardships at reintegration. The project is designed to address the needs of returnee populations in Canton 10 which are found to be one of the most at risk in terms of their economic, social, health, and political security and wellbeing. The project further seeks to address the needs of the receiving population by partnering with local municipal and cantonal governments and administrations in order to ensure local buy-in and support, as well as secure its long term sustainability. 

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Migration Management