Bosnia Herzegovina

Emmaus in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Emmaus has had a presence in Bosnia-Herzegovina since the early 1990s. The movement now has one member group and one trial member group in the country. The Bosnian groups lead humanitarian initiatives to support the most vulnerable including those most heavily affected by the war as well as the elderly, the poor and those with either mental or physical disabilities. The Bosnian groups have also developed expertise in providing support to children. Several centres host children, offering them a safer and more secure environment as well as better access to education.

Origins

Emmaus was created in Bosnia-Herzegovina following the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and in light of the consequences of the war of 1992-1995. At the time the situation in the country was very unstable and very difficult for all concerned. Many organisations came to the aid of the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war and so did Emmaus International, led at the time by Franco Bettoli. Emmaus International started to send convoys of humanitarian aid containing food, medication and other essential products to the local authorities in Tuzla. But Emmaus needed a local humanitarian organisation to help distribute these products. In 1999 the Bosnians created the International Forum of Solidarity association in Tuzla and the group became a member of Emmaus in 2003.

Main Activities

• Welcome, providing accommodation, reintegration
• Collecting, reusing, recycling and selling on objects
• Political campaigning and awareness raising
• Local, european and international solidarity initiatives

Secondary Activities

• A centre for the prevention of human trafficking
• Awareness raising about the risks of using the Internet
• Farming