The first phase of the EU funded project "Social inclusion and integration towards active civil society" was presented on 17 September 2009 at the European Commission Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project, which was launched in December 2008, was implemented by the Human Rights Bureau Tuzla and project partner Helsinki Citizens Parliament Banja Luka.

The results of the research "Socially excluded today. What about tomorrow?" which were presented, focused on the current situation related to social exclusion.  The survey was carried out in five cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banja Luka, Brcko, Gracanica, Doboj and Tuzla. In order to obtain the information on social exclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Human Rights Bureau from Tuzla and Helsinki Citizens Parliament from Banja Luka carried out a research on the existence and forms of the social exclusion in BiH society.

"Our research focused on seven target groups: Roma, displaced persons, unemployed, single mothers, returnees, persons with disabilities, young people between 15 and 29 and persons over 65 years of age. The empirical data show that these marginalised groups of BiH society are indeed socially excluded. The research also warns about negative trends, i.e. the fact that the social factors which produce social exclusion, are being intensified and are related not only to all groups covered in the research but also to a wider population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This research enabled us offer a whole range of recommendations at the legal level, which could possibly be actually implemented in the forthcoming period”, stated Ibrahim Prohić, expert for analysis of the research information.

This research will also offer statistical data necessary for understanding and further fight against social exclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, it will be used for creation of campaigns for changes and amendments to the Law on Health and Social Protection.

“When it comes to the recommendations for changing the legislation, our priority is harmonisation of the essential list of medicines which, as you are aware, is currently different in all cantons. We want to have a single list of essential medicines at the level of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order for our patients to be entitled to enjoy their rights to medical treatment regardless of their place of residence”, stated Lejla Hukić, project coordinator.

A positive result of the research on social exclusion is the perception that BiH society has, to a large extent, kept its humanistic orientation and social susceptibility. Despite all the pressures and turbulences in the transition period, a significant number of BiH citizens kept their humanistic potential.

The project was financed by the European Union through European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights.