Bosnia and Herzegovina

2012 UNHCR country operations profile - Bosnia and Herzegovina

Working environment

The context

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country characterised by ethno-national political divisions and a complex administrative system, impeding efforts to resolve outstanding displacement issues stemming from the Balkan conflicts that ended 16 years ago. As a result, there are still 113,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in need of a solution. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also host to some 6,800 refugees from Croatia.

Since 2010, countries in the region have demonstrated renewed interest in closing the displacement chapter, consolidating their efforts to find durable solutions for people of concern. In the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, this will help to ensure stability both domestically and regionally, and assist in the country's efforts to join the European Union (EU). In addition, the June 2010 adoption of the Revised Strategy for the Implementation of Annex VII of the Dayton Peace Agreement provides a framework for resolving the outstanding displacement issues. UNHCR will continue to support its implementation through advocacy and direct assistance for the most vulnerable persons of concern.

UNHCR works closely with the authorities in order to strengthen the asylum system and bolster refugee protection. While legislation on asylum is generally in line with international and regional standards, implementation remains problematic.

There are an estimated 5,000 people at risk of statelessness in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mainly Roma people, who often face serious obstacles to effective citizenship with full access to their rights and entitlements.

The needs

Many of the IDPs and returnees whose situation remains fragile, require continued support to overcome difficulties in gaining access to their rights and finding employment.

Some 8,500 displaced persons continue to live in collective accommodation -- a solution that was only meant to be temporary -- and are among the most vulnerable of populations of concern in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many are physically and mentally challenged, chronically ill, elderly, without income and/or cannot return to their places of origin due to serious protection concerns. UNHCR continues to advocate for tailored interventions to meet the most pressing needs of this extremely vulnerable population, and is working closely with the relevant authorities on solutions for them.

In theory, refugees have access to education, health care, employment and social welfare services under the same conditions as nationals, but in reality such access is limited. Refugees who wish to integrate locally find it extremely difficult to obtain residence permits.

People at risk of statelessness, mostly Roma people, struggle in nearly every area of life, owing to widespread discrimination, as well as the consequences of not having civil documents nor being registered which, in turn restricts their access to rights, such as health care, education and employment. Moreover, documentation gaps increase the risk of exposure to various abuses, including human trafficking.

Main objectives and targets for 2012

Fair protection processes and documentation

Access to and quality of RSD procedures improved.

Civil registration and civil status documentation strengthened.

• People of concern obtain civil status documentation through some 150 advocacy interventions.

More individuals receive documentation.

• Some 500 identification and travel documents are issued to stateless residents.

Basic needs and essential services

Sufficient supplies of basic and domestic items are made available.

• A total of some 730 refugees, IDPs and returnees are provided with household goods.

Durable solutions

The potential for voluntary return is realized.

• Some 660 refugees and IDPs are assisted to return through repatriation grants or transport support.

Community empowerment and self-reliance

Opportunities for people of concern to gain self-reliance and livelihoods are increased.

A total of some 2,300 IDPs, returnees, stateless people and refugees benefit from activities to find them jobs.

Favourable protection environment

Access to legal assistance and legal remedies is improved.

• A total of approximately 12,600 IDPs, returnees, stateless people, refugees and asylum-seekers are provided with legal aid.

Strategy and activities in 2012

UNHCR's approach in Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks to respond to both protection and assistance needs of large groups of IDPs and returnees, refugees and asylum-seekers, and a significant number of Roma at risk of statelessness. Key priorities for 2012 and 2013 are access to rights, free legal aid, income generation, and support for return and local integration.

In 2012 and 2013, UNHCR will:

• Advocate measures with the national authorities to bring to an end the protracted displacement chapter of the residual IDP population.

• Ensure access to free legal aid, income generation and livelihood projects for returnees and displaced people, in addition to supporting housing initiatives for displaced persons to facilitate their local integration.

• Build the capacities of social welfare centres so as to enable them to assist people of concern.

• Help the authorities to strengthen the asylum system and ensure refugees and asylum-seekers have access to their rights.

• Support refugees from Croatia with free legal aid and/or income-generating activities so that they can find durable solutions, either through voluntary repatriation or local integration.

• Help Roma at risk of statelessness to gain civil-status documentation.

Constraints

The fragmented nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Government structures and society hinders recovery and reconciliation efforts. Moreover, the decentralized and complex administrative structure creates confusion over responsibility for important State functions. Such conditions are not conducive to the development of clear and effective means for ensuring human rights and protecting refugees and asylum-seekers. Although asylum legislation is largely in line with international standards, concerns persist as to the manner in which the legislation is interpreted and implemented.

The social welfare system is grossly underfunded and the needs surpass its capacity. The economy has not yet recovered from the global economic crisis and unemployment remains high, making it difficult to sustain livelihoods, particularly for people of concern to UNHCR.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

UNHCR continues to work alongside the authorities at all levels, in particular with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees and the Ministry of Security. The Office is also on the Board of Principals, which is composed of members of the key international agencies in the country. It is an active member of the UN Country Team, and works closely with other international organizations, such as the Office of the High Representative, the EU, Council of Europe and OSCE, as well as various international and national NGOs, donors and multilateral bodies.

Financial information

The budget for Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for USD 15 million in 2012, and USD 9.1 million in 2013, the progressive reduction reflecting the phasing down of UNHCR's operational involvement in the country. Of the budgeted amount, 62 per cent is allocated for IDPs, 28 per cent for refugees and asylum-seekers and 10 per cent for stateless people. Important components of the budget concern durable solutions for vulnerable IDPs, support for self-reliance and the provision of livelihood opportunities.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2012-2013

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