Bosnia and Herzegovina
CRS in Bosnia and Herzegovina
More than 20 years after the war, Bosnia and Herzegovina has yet to achieve a peaceful and just society. The country continues to have thousands of displaced people and an unemployment rate of 45%. More than 18% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Poor economic conditions coupled with divisive nationalistic political rhetoric, mono-ethnic communities and segregated schools continue to threaten the stability of the region. Returnees, war victims, women victims of rape, their families and citizens in general are still struggling to recover from the violent conflict that left 400,000 people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Deep ethnic divisions continue to paralyze society and prevent BiH from realizing its strategic potential as a land- and resource-rich neighbor of the European Union. Contending historical and political narratives place blame on different groups for starting the war and committing war crimes. With these opposing narratives defining perceptions at every level of society, reconciliation remains elusive, inhibiting progress towards improved social well-being and a stable political and economic environment for BiH citizens.
Stats
People served: 455,948
Population: 3,531,159
Size: 19,767 sq. mi.; slightly smaller than West Virginia
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Become a Partner ›Country News and Stories
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December 5, 2023
Growing Together: Farmers, Buyers and Municipalities Thrive in Value Chains
CRS works with farmers to improve their produce quality and yields, and then connects them to local markets so they can sell their products and earn a living.
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December 5, 2023
Social Housing in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Refugees Find Home After Three Decades
CRS's engagement in the field of social housing in this country goes back much further than the CEB II project.
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December 5, 2023
Prepared Communities are Resilient Communities
Local communities in Bosnia prepare to respond to disasters and reduce risks through simulation exercises as they deal with the impact of climate change.
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December 5, 2023
Peace Building Project for the Future of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Former prisoners of war share their stories in hopes of sharing the impact of war, and bringing lasting peace to their country.
CRS' History in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Catholic Relief Services came to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1993 to provide emergency relief to people living under siege in Sarajevo. At the end of the war, half the population of the country of 4 million was displaced. CRS responded by assisting families to return to homes they fled during the war. CRS continues these efforts through rebuilding and constructing housing and infrastructure, promoting livelihoods and education, and providing psychological support. CRS supports peacebuilding by working with war victims' associations to recover from trauma and move toward tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
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2023 Operating Expenses
Recognition
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Catholic Relief Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; Donations to CRS are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable under the law.
Catholic Relief Services eases suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.
We are the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas Internationalis.