UNICEF supports thousands of refugee and migrant children in Bosnia

With a child-centred approach, UNICEF has worked alongside UN and NGO partners and local authorities to provide protection, education, psychosocial support, and healthcare to thousands of vulnerable children, including those unaccompanied.

UNICEF has provided 24/7 protection for more than 5,698 unaccompanied children, identifying risks and ensuring referral in cases of violence, abuse, neglect, and trafficking. Legal guardianship was assigned to 1,727 children, enabling representation in administrative processes and safeguarding their best interests.

In 2025 alone, 583 children received case management support, while 176 cases of violence or exploitation were reported and addressed. Gender-based violence prevention and response programs reached 114 children, with 67 receiving risk-reduction support.

UNICEF established child-friendly spaces and organised structured psychosocial activities reaching 1,690 children. Overall, 3,290 children, including both accompanied and unaccompanied, received psychosocial support in 2025.

Access to formal and non-formal education was provided to over 5,064 children, including early learning, preparatory programs, and digital education through the Akelius app. Vocational training programs involved 2,235 adolescents.

In cooperation with schools and NGOs, UNICEF equipped 11 schools with ICT equipment and improved connectivity in eight schools, allowing over 10,000 children, including more than half who are in movement, to access digital language learning.

Parenting programs covered 430 parents and caregivers, while 61 frontline workers received child protection training. Feedback mechanisms engaged 747 individuals from refugee and local communities, ensuring transparency and accountability.

UNICEF also supported 165 babies, children, and mothers through health and nutrition services, including mother and baby centres, and provided counselling on infant and young child feeding to 88 caregivers. Annual distributions of clothing and hygiene items have met basic needs and preserved dignity for hundreds of children and women in reception centres.

“UNICEF’s multisectoral response has been crucial for protecting the rights and well-being of refugee and migrant children in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and community engagement, UNICEF continues working to ensure no child is forgotten,” the agency stated.