The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy said the contracts on co-financing the work of safe houses from the Federation of BiH were signed this year. Today, the contracts have signed representatives of all five secure houses currently on the territory of the FBiH, and the total value of this year’s co-financing is 1,000,000 KM.
The Federal Minister of Labor and Social Policy Adnan Delić signed contracts, and that occasion pointed out that support for safe houses is more than a financial liability. He stressed that this support is the foundation of social and institutional struggle against family and gender-based violence.
– We sign the contracts worth a million marks with all five safe houses in the Federation of BiH. It is a continuation of our strong commitment to combat family and gender-based violence. In the past two years, we have invested 2.5 million KM for the disposal of women and children, victims of domestic violence in these safe houses. It is the continuity of our zero tolerance policy for violence. It is important to emphasize that we do not speak here only about budgets and programs. We’re talking about lives. About women and children who survived violence, about children who grew into fear. And we are talking about our responsibility to provide them with safety, refuge and a chance to get out of that circle of violence. Our task is not only to react when the violence happens, but to preventively and systemically build an ambience in which violence is unacceptable, and in which every voice of a woman who seeks help hears, see and protect himself – said Minister Delic.
The Ministry states that the funds have been distributed this year according to the new methodology that the Ministry introduced 2023. years, and by which 50 percent of the funds are awarded for operating costs, while 50 funds are awarded for beneficiary accommodation costs. They add that there is a more stable and sustainable work planning, as well as greater security in supporting women and children.
In addition to financial support, Minister Delić also announced the adoption of the Rulebook on minimum standards for the work of safe houses, which the Ministry prepared in cooperation with all five secure houses. The Rulebook will soon be sent to the cantons to the opinion, after which its application is expected.
– This Ordinance is our legal obligation and is part of the wider process of building uniform protection standards. I am proud to be able to educate professional workers who involved victims of violence in the budget before the new law is made. All these are important steps not only in the organization of the system, but also in ensuring the equal level of protection for all victims of violence, no matter what part of the Federation of BiH, live – said Minister Delic.
The representatives of safe houses pointed out the importance of consistent institutional support and praised the work of the Ministry to improve systemic solutions. Danijela Huremović from the safe house Vive Women Tuzla pointed out the importance of the new legislative framework.
– We are glad that our long-term struggle for the rights of women and children who have been exposed to domestic violence recognized. We have a new law that is in line with the Istanbul Convention, and in the process, the changes in the criminal law. The issue of funding for safe houses is finally systemically recognized thanks to this Ministry. We are on the right track that this question is permanent and sustainably resolved, “Huremović said.
Director of Medica from Zenica Sabiha Husic emphasized that the Minister Delic did not only remain on promises.
– Mr. Delic and his team showed respect for victims of violence, but also towards safe houses. They listened to us, understood the needs and headed for practice. This minister is not just an administration. He’s with us on the ground. That is why we believe that it will help you animate other levels of government, because without local and cantonal support, the system cannot function – said Husić.
Safety House manager Sarajevo Muber Hodžić Lemes also pointed out the growing number of applications of violence, as well as the importance of the existence of a specific response.
– In Sarajevo Canton last year, the increase in the application of violence by 30 percent was recorded. It is the result of raising awareness, availability to help and trust in the system. A safe house is security. And in order to provide me with security, we must have security and support to achieve your function. The message for all women and children who suffer violence is that in the Federation of BiH there is an output. There is a system. You’re not alone, “Hodzic said Lemesh.
This set of activities is the continuation of the reform and proactive approach of the Ministry, which supports security, dignity and the new chance for women and children throughout the Federation of BiH and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.
