On May 18, 2026, the Association Forgotten Children of War organized a roundtable discussion at Hotel Ibis in Sarajevo titled “Implementation of the Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – Challenges and Good Practices at the Cantonal Level.”
The event brought together representatives of cantonal ministries, local self-government units, and cantonal assemblies from four cantons, with the aim of fostering direct dialogue on experiences related to the implementation of the Law, challenges in practice, and opportunities for improving the protection system. Particular focus was placed on the realization of rights for children born as a consequence of wartime sexual violence.
The roundtable was organized following the publication of the Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which presented key findings on the current state of implementation at the cantonal level, identified existing challenges, and highlighted positive examples and good practices from selected cantons and local self-government units.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ajna Jusić, President of the Association Forgotten Children of War, and Tarik Ekmeščić, Legal Consultant of the Association, who emphasized the importance of interinstitutional cooperation and the continued alignment of cantonal regulations with the federal Law. It was highlighted that the implementation process remains ongoing and requires additional efforts, particularly in ensuring access to rights and improving information-sharing with beneficiaries.
The central part of the event consisted of an interactive discussion moderated by Adnan Kadribašić, involving representatives of cantonal institutions and local self-government units. Participants discussed practical experiences in implementing the Law, challenges in institutional communication, the functioning of social welfare centers, budget limitations, as well as access to information and beneficiaries’ rights.
A representative of the Ministry of Labour, Social Policy and Refugees of the Zenica-Doboj Canton presented activities currently under preparation, including employment programs, initiatives to amend the Regulation on Spa Rehabilitation, and amendments to the Regulation on Housing Support.
Representatives of Sarajevo Canton, including the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth, and the Ministry of Labour, Social Policy, Displaced Persons and Refugees, presented ongoing activities and planned support measures. Among other things, it was noted that the Regulation on Funeral Costs is currently in the adoption process, while social housing programs will be included in upcoming UNFPA projects. It was also emphasized that civilian victims of war already receive priority within certain employment programs.
During the discussion, institutional representatives also highlighted challenges affecting the implementation of the federal Law, including limited communication between cantons and competent institutions, the overburdening of social welfare centers, and insufficient budget allocations designated for this category of civilian victims of war.
The event concluded with a shared recognition of the importance of continuing dialogue between institutions and civil society organizations, further strengthening the implementation of the Law at the cantonal level, exchanging good practices among cantons, and continuing the harmonization of cantonal laws and by-laws with the federal Law on the Protection of Civilian Victims of War.
