Integration prospects are possible in Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to the UNHCR Participatory Assessment 2022 Report that was presented today.
The report shows the feedback received from a representative sample of refugees and asylum seekers, whether BiH can be considered a long-term solution for people in need of international protection.
The report also highlights key challenges and gives a number of recommendations to the international community and the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lucie Gagn, UNHCR representative in BiH, expressed hope that the recommended measures will be translated into concrete actions for the ultimate goal of a better life for refugees.
This report is the result of months of hard work and cooperation between the UNHCR team and the refugee community. UNHCR, authorities at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international community and civil society are all involved in the necessary joint action, according to UNHCR.
It was also stated that the inclusion of the refugee community in the process builds trust and ownership of humanitarian programs, which is of key importance for the protection and integration of asylum seekers and persons granted international protection.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country where life is possible to build and that is the most important for my family and myself. It is one of the feedbacks received by an asylum seeker from Iran during the participatory assessment process.
My plan was to pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina, not to stay. I didn't even know it was possible to seek asylum here, so I feel comfortable here. "People are nice," said an asylum seeker from Afghanistan during the Participatory Assessment process in 2022.
The Participatory Assessment report promotes inclusive and participatory processes and emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement of all individuals in decision-making processes that affect their lives by promoting inclusive and participatory processes.
This is of special importance as the United Nations are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2023.
The Participatory Assessment Report 2022 serves as a roadmap to address the needs of asylum seekers and persons granted international protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina and ensures that they receive the support necessary for a safe and dignified life, Fena reports.