Istočno Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 17 August 2023 – As the Regional Housing Programme (RHP) approaches its end, a further 15 vulnerable displaced families received new RHP apartments in Istočno Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) today. In total, thanks to the RHP, close to 2 800 homes for most-vulnerable and displaced families have been completed in BiH.

In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the event was attended by Sevlid Hurtić, Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Davor Čordaš, Director of the Republic Secretariat for Displaced Persons and Migration; Ljubiša Ćosić, Mayor of Istočno Sarajevo; Stefan Almehagen Sandstad, Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in BiH; Jovan Katić, Mayor of the Municipality of Istočno Novo Sarajevo; Bernadett Macskasy,  Programme Officer in the UNHCR Country Office in Sarajevo, and Nermina Džepar-Ganibegović, RHP Country Housing Project Lead Manager at the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH.

RHP beneficiaries and stakeholders in front of the RHP apartment building in Istočno Novo Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

RHP stakeholders at the ceremony in Istočno Novo Sarajevo

Minister Hurtić noted that while the Regional Housing Programme had come to an end after more than a decade, the work of the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina would continue: “It is morally right that we solve the housing situation of every displaced and socially vulnerable family, in order that they have a roof over their heads, and no longer need to think about paying rent and can move on in life,” he said.

Minister Hurtić hands over keys to an RHP beneficiary

Norwegian representative Stefan Almehagen Sandstad delivers keys to an RHP beneficiary

One of the beneficiaries, Milan Bajović, was delighted with his three-bedroom apartment, which was perfect for his family of four. “My wife and I are overjoyed – each of our two children will have their own room,“ he smiled. “And I was so pleasantly surprised when I found out today that my work colleague was my new neighbour.″

Milan Bajović with his colleague and new neighbour in their new apartments

Mirjana Mitrović with her four children in their new apartment

Finally, on behalf of the UNHCR, Bernadett Macskasy reflected with satisfaction that every house and apartment under the Regional Housing Programme had been the result of the hard work and commitment of all stakeholders from international and local levels, in partnership across the Western Balkans region.

RHP apartment building in Istočno Novo Sarajevo