Signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Development Agency, and CARE Czech Republic marked the official launch of the Project “Socioeconomic Inclusion in the Brčko District of BiH”.

The project aims to increase social inclusion and create sustainable employment opportunities for citizens in this part of BiH over the next three years, with a special focus on marginalized and vulnerable groups.

The project is funded by the Czech Development Agency as part of the development cooperation between the Czech Republic and BiH, amounting to 2.7 million KM. The implementation is carried out by CARE International and the Project Implementation Unit financed by international funds within the Development Guarantee Fund of the Brčko District of BiH.

Mayor of the Brčko District of BiH, Dr. Zijad Nišić, emphasized that this is the largest grant ever awarded to the District for the population on the fringes of society. Consul and Head of the Department for Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in BiH, Štěpán Šantrůček, explained that BiH is one of six countries where they are implementing development projects.

Katarina Klamkova, Director of CARE Czech Republic, highlighted that in addition to the financial support from the Czech Republic, this project is also funded by individual donations from Czech citizens.

Sumka Bučan, Director of CARE International Balkans, emphasized that socioeconomic analysis indicates an increase in unemployment rates in the District compared to 2018, especially among women which underscores the need to pay special attention not only to marginalized groups but also to the employment of women and the provision of services to assist them in this regard.