Introduction

Introduction

Issues

Issues

Action

Action

Impact

Impact

 

Issues

© UNICEF/Bosnia and Herzegovina

The social welfare system in BIH is neither adequately financed nor equipped to face the growing demands from those in need. Violence against children and by children as well as gender-based violence is increasing with the number of registered cases of violence against children increasing from 1,072 in 2002 to 1,408 in 2004 only in BIH Federation.

BIH has been a destination country for traffickers since 1996, with women and children being brought into the country from other parts of Europe. Over 100 cases of child trafficking have been registered since 1999, but the real number is assumed to be much higher. Response mechanisms, however, remain ineffective. A 2003 UNICEF-supported survey showed an increase in trends in BIH as a country of origin for child trafficking. Risks of internal trafficking in children are increased with higher levels of poverty and the changing patterns of trafficking now shifting from international to internal trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation. Inadequacy of information and knowledge on trafficking and exploitation results in discrimination and inadequate attitudes of adolescents as potential victims and service-provides as potential helpers.

© UNICEF/Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography, ratified by BIH, has not yet been adequately addressed within the criminal codes. The current State level criminal law framework, with newly introduced provisions governing the treatment of children, is not in compliance with international law.

Approximately 3,500 children live in public care, either in under-funded residential institutions or with foster parents who receive little support. The absence of a coherent policy, legal framework and monitoring system for fostering, adoption and institutionalization, leaves many of these children unprotected. Further,no commitment has been made by the government to improve the situation in the near future. The developmental and emotional needs of these children are not adequately met in institutional settings, and most of them are not adequately prepared for adult life when they have to leave at age 18. Professionals are often under-qualified, not supported, paid too little, and hardly supervised.