Social and Economic Rights of Conflict Related Sexual Violence Survivors in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Obstacles and Challenges

This report is a baseline study on the socio-economic obstacles faced by conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) survivors in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in their everyday lives. The aim of the study is to:

1. Compare the international standards in the enjoyment of social and economic rights for CRSV survivors and the existing legislative framework in BiH;

2. Analyze the implementation of domestic legislation prescribing social and economic rights of CRSV survivors in BiH;

3. Depict the attitudes and behaviours of CRSV survivors and the enjoyment of their social and economic rights;

4. Compare the attitudes and behaviours of CRSV survivors and the services provided by local institutions in selected locations, and

5. Collect and analyze data from civil society organizations (CSOs) and survivors’ groups with regards to the provision of services to CRSV survivors in BiH.

The research findings should provide necessary evidence which can be used to advocate for the development of relevant policies and programmes for closing existing gaps in the accessibility and quality of services provided to CRSV survivors in BiH.

The report has been initiated jointly by three UN agencies (UNFPA, UNDP and UN Women) and the IOM in BiH in the framework of the "Seeking Care, Support and Justice for Survivors of Conflict Related Sexual Violence in Bosnia and Herzegovina" UN Joint Programme. The Joint Programme is implemented by IOM, UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women and funded by the Government of the United Kingdom, the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict and the Government of Canada.