Children With Disabilities in BiH: I do not think I am different

World Vision’s research, which was conducted during 2015 and 2016, is primarily
dedicated to the rights and status of children with disabilities and their families in BiH
society, which gives it a special value. The research results have shown, inter alia, that
there is no comprehensive and harmonized approach in creating systemic solutions
which would ensure that children with disabilities and their families receive appropriate
forms of support, but also become the actors of the processes that most directly concern
them.
The greatest value of this research is reflected in the fact that its key findings are based
on the testimonies of children with disabilities, their parents, their family members,
neighbors and friends, and that on the basis of these statements and the statements of
other participants in the research, and thanks to the analysis of the institutional and legal
framework governing the rights of children with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
recommendations were created for action by the key actors, in order to create the
preconditions for full respect of the rights and inclusion of children with disabilities in all
segments of society on an equal footing with their peers.
The recommendations contained in the study correlate with the recommendations from
the Alternative Report on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities in BiH which a group of 65 disabled people’s organizations submitted to
the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the United Nations.
We believe that the recommendations that form part of this study should serve as a
basis for launching various initiatives for changes in the legislative framework, as well as
other changes in society that will ensure the full enjoyment of the rights of children with
disabilities and their full participation in society, as well as the necessary forms of support
to parents and families of children with disabilities.
We hope that, because of its value, this study will greatly contribute to the changes that
will bring about a more dignified status of children with disabilities and their families in
BiH society, and will help their organizations obtain the appropriate forms of support
and ensure their status as the main promoters, protectors and advocates of the rights
and dignity of persons with disabilities, but also as partners to any interested parties
in addressing the issues of concern to children with disabilities and their families, and
persons with disabilities in general.
Suvad Zahirović, Information Center for Persons with Disabilities Lotos