On September 4, 2025, an event was held at the Information Center for Persons with Disabilities "Lotos" in Tuzla for the signing of contracts with organizations of persons with disabilities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose projects were selected for funding through the Public Call for Small Grants. This activity was carried out within the framework of the project "Creating Policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Respect for Human Rights and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," implemented by I.C. "Lotos" Tuzla and the Association of the Blind of Sarajevo Canton, with financial support from the European Union.
The goal of the project is to improve public policies in the field of disability in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the promotion of a human rights-based approach, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Project activities include training for decision-makers, study visits, the development of an online collaboration platform, campaigns, and monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention.
As part of the event, representatives of supported organizations presented their projects aimed at empowering women and youth with disabilities, their more active involvement in the work of organizations and local communities, and creating positive social changes.
The Association of Citizens with Visual Impairment Tuzla, which brings together around 300 members, presented a project focused on more active involvement of young people and women in decision-making processes. The project will include work with women and young people with visual impairments from the entire Tuzla Canton. Activities include research, educational workshops, excursions, and the production of promotional videos.
The Association of People Affected by Polio, Brain Injury, and Spinal Cord Injury KS has applied with the project: "I Volunteer," which aims to engage young people with disabilities through volunteer work and mutual support.
The "Nova vita" Association in Sarajevo will organize workshops on communication, English language, and physiotherapy through its project, including educating parents on basic massage and reflexology techniques.
The Association of Paraplegics and Those Affected by Childhood Paralysis Zenica will focus on the inclusion of young people with disabilities and the improvement of digital literacy, while the Association for Mutual Aid in Mental Distress will work on reducing (self)stigma among women and young people with mental health issues.
The Association of Youth with Disabilities "InfoPart" Banja Luka aims to raise awareness among students of the faculties at the University of Banja Luka about their role in providing services and protection to people with disabilities, considering their specific needs related to their future professions, as well as encouraging them to volunteer in support of peers with disabilities.
During the event, the attending media had the opportunity to speak with representatives of organizations and learn more about the initiatives that will be implemented across the country.
This event marks an important phase in the implementation of the project, as it allows organizations of persons with disabilities to take an active role in carrying out initiatives that directly contribute to the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
