Bosnia and Herzegovina

Although economic progress has been made in Bosnia and Herzegovina, many families still lack a permanent home after having lost theirs during the conflict. Unemployment is high, particularly among the younger population and families lack financial stability.

Daily life is challenging for many families across the region:

• Over a quarter of the population are unemployed (ILO, 2017)
• 1 in 2 young people are unemployed (UNDP, 2017)
• Around 17% of people live below the national poverty line (WHO, 2016)
• Girls are 10% more likely to attend higher education than boys (UNDP, 2017)

Islamic Relief in Bosnia Herzegovina

Islamic Relief starting working in Bosnia Herzegovina during the Bosnian War by providing vital emergency assistance, delivering food, water and clothes. After the war we rebuilt homes, schools and public buildings which had been destroyed. We also began providing support during Ramadan and Qurbani which continues to this day.

Due to the high death count during the war, we focus a lot of our work on supporting single-parent families and orphans as these are amongst the most vulnerable groups. Alongside our one-to-one orphan sponsorship programme, we have also provided extensive psychosocial assistance to children and families who have been traumatised by what they went through during.

In an effort to improve the opportunities for employment we also provide interest-free loans, based on Islamic finance models, to help people set up their own businesses and rebuild their homes. Without our support, they might never have got the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and destitution. As the loans are repaid, and the repayment rate is above 90%, we lend the money out again to another family which means that one donation is used to help family after family.