Through joint learning and exchange of experiences, the UN team in Bosnia and Herzegovina is strengthening its commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In the United Nations building in Sarajevo, a training session for UN staff on the inclusion of persons with disabilities was held, jointly organized by UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights), in cooperation with organizations of persons with disabilities from across the country.
This training is part of the Action Plan of the UN Working Group on Disability Inclusion, co-chaired by UNDP and UN Women, and aims to strengthen the capacities of United Nations staff on the concepts of inclusion, accessibility, and the human rights of persons with disabilities.
During the first part of the training, inspiring presentations by speakers from various organizations of persons with disabilities from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region showcased challenges and good practices in the field of inclusion. Participants discussed national and international laws and documents, with a special focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the experiences of women, youth, and LGBTIQ+ persons with disabilities. One of the topics covered was personal assistance.
“Personal assistance is extremely important because it enables independent living in the community, contributes to dignity, equality, and inclusion in all spheres of society. The essence is that personal assistance is not charity or care, but a support service that empowers a person to make their own decisions about their life,” said Jovana Džever, a member of the Youth Association InfoPart Banja Luka.
In the second part of the training, participants had the opportunity—through practical exercises, role play, and personal stories—to explore different perspectives of disability: from using Braille and white canes, to sign language interpretation and writing easy-to-read texts.
This training, held on November 6, 2025, represents another step toward building an inclusive system within the United Nations and society as a whole—a system in which every person has equal rights, opportunities, and voice.
Source: https://shorturl.at/QhCjU