CRS Work in Bosnia-Herzegovina

CRS Bosnia-Herzegovina works not only to address the legacies of war, but to build a solid future for all people in the country. When working in reconstruction and resettlement, Catholic Relief Services' focus is always on rebuilding communities rather than simply physical structures, so that people returning to their prewar homes can get back to supporting themselves and feeling connected to their communities. We also work to stop human trafficking, a grave consequence of poverty and lack of economic opportunities in southeastern Europe.

Rebuilding Communities

The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina left half the population displaced, and damaged or destroyed an estimated 40 percent of the housing. In response, CRS has devoted more than $30 million since 1996 to reconstruction and resettlement efforts, enabling people to return to more than 3,150 prewar homes. Support includes providing adequate shelter, water and electricity, as well as income-generating basics such as livestock, agriculture machinery and seeds. Materials and training help the returning population to develop small businesses, usually based on farming. Returnees, many of whom are moving to areas where they will be an ethnic minority, are able to live by their own resources with dignity. CRS works with a network of eight local, nongovernmental partners who help prospective, current, and past returnees secure necessary documents, enroll their children in school, register at the local health center, and receive the training and support they need to thrive in their communities.

Counter-Trafficking

Catholic Relief Services in Bosnia-Herzegovina combats human trafficking through programs focused on prevention, reintegration and public awareness. CRS and our partners work together to respond to the factors that perpetuate human trafficking. We provide women and girls from rural areas with work opportunities within their own country, and promote awareness of the risks of trafficking for those seeking employment locally and abroad. Awareness campaigns are targeted toward at-risk girls, refugees and returnees. CRS' programming also brings together social workers, police officers and government officials to address the social issues that contribute to trafficking. CRS' local partners in counter-trafficking are La Strada, the Bosnia-Herzegovina Women's Initiative Foundation and Caritas of the Bishops' Conference of Bosnia-Herzegovina.