Final Annual Report of the RHP Fund published
Paris, 16 April 2024 - Thirty years ago, armed conflicts on the territory of former Yugoslavia led to the long-term displacement of over three million people both within and beyond the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia. The Regional Housing Programme (RHP) – the first joint post-conflict initiative between these countries (the “Partner Countries”) – was established in 2012 to address this protracted displacement situation. The Programme aimed to provide sustainable housing to the most-vulnerable refugees and displaced persons following the 1991-1995 conflicts, in addition to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Montenegro from 1999.
The RHP came to an end in December 2023, having successfully provided durable homes to 11 301 most-vulnerable families – or approximately 36 000 persons – across the Partner Countries. Thanks to its regional character, the RHP also contributed to the improvement of neighbourly relations, thereby fostering security and stability across the region. The final Annual Report of the RHP Fund looks back on the achievements of this remarkable initiative since its foundation, and during its concluding year in particular.
The Programme would not have been possible without the support of the international Donor community, which committed a total of EUR 294 million. The European Union was the largest Donor, with a commitment of EUR 238 million, followed by the United States of America, with EUR 24 million, in addition to Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Italy and others. The efforts of the Partner Countries were supported by three international partners – the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The RHP has demonstrated how, by working closely together in pursuit of a common goal, even the most arduous challenges can be overcome to the benefit of those in need.