ReliefWeb

Overview

The Red Cross programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina are aligned with the aims of the IFRC`s Strategy 2020 to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises; enable healthy and safe living; and promote social inclusion and culture of non-violence and peace. The capacity-building efforts are specifically linked with Enabling Action One to build strong National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Economic recession coupled with the global financial crisis has severely and disproportionally affected the country and its people. Many of the middle class workers, pensioners, older people, single parent families and Roma minorities are struggling to make ends meet.

2013 was characterized by yet another institutional blockade caused by political divisions. Hence, the adoption and implementation of country’s reforms were put on standby. The voices expressing efforts of separation became more frequent, making leverage on diffused dissatisfaction of the population. The complexity of the country’s socio-economic environment in conjunction with the economic crisis, resulting in a reduced financial support received from abroad, did not allow for rapid solutions. Similarly, the National Society experienced extremely difficult period reflecting the overall tensions in the country.

Lack of opportunities,political instability and economic depression have caused large-scale emigration of skilled and educated individuals primarily youth amplifying population depletion and aging process of the country’s demographics.

However, despite the difficult situation, the National Society found a way to stretch its capacities in order to cover the growing needs of the vulnerable population, making the most out of its donors` support. With the support of its branches and volunteers’ network, the RCSBiH was able to keep alive its key programs. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 2 I Bosnia and Herzegovina 2013 Annual Report One of the key lessons learnt during these challenging periods is that all international components of the Movement working in Bosnia and Herzegovina can play a positive and significant role in supporting the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RCSBiH) by promoting the seven Fundamental Principles and the Code of Conduct as a flag for all our activities.

The IFRC Country Representation has been focusing on fostering cooperation between the three different constituent people present in the National Society, proving that the cooperation, integration and celebration of differences are indeed possible. The IFRC Country Representation continues to maintain dialogue and coordination between the Movement partners, supporting RCSBiH projects/programs and facilitating tailored organizational development support to the RCSBiH with an aim to strengthen its governance and management, resource mobilization and human resource capacities. Inclusion of the capacity building elements such as exchanges of experiences and trainings into the IFRC supported projects remains high priority and is underpinned in all areas of achievement as a means of enhancing National Society’s service delivery in empowering the most vulnerable communities.