Since 2016, the number of migrants crossing or eventually staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been steadily increasing. In 2023, 34,409 migrants were recorded in the country, an increase of 26 % compared to 2022. 3,985 people, i.e. around 11.6 %, are unaccompanied minors or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who have special needs due to their age and experiences on the route. At least 5 % of the children are in a vulnerable situation. This means that they have either already been abused or are at risk of physical, sexual and psychological abuse, exploitation, human trafficking or neglect.
Against this background, Liechtenstein is supporting a Caritas Switzerland project with 100,000 Swiss francs. This offers vulnerable unaccompanied minors and asylum-seeking children access to a reception center where their basic needs are met through access to everyday goods and services. At the Sarajevo Reception Center, they have access to adequate food, water, sanitation, clothing, medical care and protection from violence. Vulnerable unaccompanied minors and asylum-seeking children are helped to attend school and receive legal support regarding their status. In addition, the project offers psychosocial support components to help both employees and beneficiaries cope with stress, for example by organizing counselling sessions and occupational therapy. Persons affected who wish to remain in Bosnia-Herzegovina are supported in their search for asylum and with language courses. In addition, unaccompanied minors and other migrants and asylum seekers staying in the temporary reception centers in Ušivak and Borići are supported through activities to improve their mental health, social skills and facilitate their integration into the community.