Call for Proposals: Victim Support Services (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The Council of Europe is offering a grant to support NGOs in improving assistance services for victims of trafficking in human beings in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme focuses on strengthening victim-centred support systems, including shelters, legal aid, and psychosocial care. One grant of up to 19,550 BAM will be awarded to an eligible NGO with strong experience in anti-trafficking work.

Overview of the Call

This funding opportunity supports non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to enhance services for victims of trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It is part of a broader initiative aimed at:

• Strengthening national anti-trafficking systems
• Improving access to justice for victims
• Enhancing institutional and legal responses
• Building capacity across service providers

Key Objectives

The programme focuses on improving both the quality and accessibility of victim support.

Core objectives include:

• Strengthening victim-centred assistance services
• Improving accessibility and sustainability of support systems
• Enhancing shelter and service provider capacity
• Expanding outreach to vulnerable and marginalised groups
• Promoting coordinated, rights-based national responses
• Aligning with GRETA recommendations and European standards

What is Victim-Centred Assistance?

Victim-centred assistance prioritises the needs, safety, and rights of trafficking survivors.

Key elements:

• Safe and confidential support
• Trauma-informed care
• Respect for dignity and autonomy
• Access to legal and social services
• Long-term reintegration support

Scope of Support

Projects should improve service delivery and system-level coordination.

Key support areas:

1. Shelter and Accommodation Services

• Safe housing for victims
• Improved shelter management systems

2. Psychosocial and Healthcare Support

• Mental health services
• Medical care and counselling

3. Legal Assistance and Access to Justice

• Legal guidance and representation
• Support in navigating judicial processes

4. Reintegration Support

• Social and economic reintegration
• Skills development and employment support

5. Capacity Building

• Training for shelter staff and service providers
• Development of standard operating procedures

6. Outreach and Awareness

• Awareness campaigns
• Targeting hard-to-reach populations

7. Innovation and Tools

• Digital or operational tools to improve service access
• Evidence-based practices

Funding Details

The call offers a single targeted grant.

• Total available budget: 19,550 BAM
• Number of grants: 1
• Maximum grant per project: 19,550 BAM

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is limited to experienced NGOs.

Requirements:

• Must be a legally registered NGO in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:
  • Anti-trafficking
  • Human rights
  • Victim assistance
• Must demonstrate:
  • Financial capacity
  • Operational capacity to implement activities

Programme Context

This call is part of a wider Council of Europe initiative to:

• Strengthen anti-trafficking frameworks
• Improve legal and institutional systems
• Enhance stakeholder capacity (law enforcement, legal professionals, NGOs)
• Address emerging forms of trafficking (including online exploitation)

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should deliver measurable improvements.

Key outcomes include:

• Improved quality of victim support services
• Increased access to assistance for vulnerable groups
• Strengthened shelter and service provider capacity
• Better coordination among stakeholders
• Enhanced protection and legal support for victims

Why This Programme Matters

Human trafficking remains a critical human rights issue.

Key impacts:

• Protects vulnerable individuals from exploitation
• Strengthens justice systems and accountability
• Improves survivor recovery and reintegration
• Supports NGOs working on the frontline
• Enhances national and regional anti-trafficking efforts

How to Apply

Step-by-step process:

• Review eligibility criteria and programme objectives
• Identify gaps in current victim assistance services
• Develop a project proposal aligned with priorities
• Include clear outcomes and measurable impact
• Demonstrate organisational capacity and experience
• Submit application to the Council of Europe

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Relevance to programme objectives
• Quality and feasibility of proposed activities
• Organisational experience and capacity
• Expected impact on victim support services
• Sustainability and coordination approach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility mistakes:

• Applying without required 5 years of experience
• Not being legally registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Proposal mistakes:

• Lack of victim-centred approach
• Weak coordination or partnership strategy
• Limited focus on measurable outcomes

Strategy mistakes:

• Ignoring long-term sustainability
• Not addressing vulnerable or marginalised groups

Tips for Strong Applications

• Clearly demonstrate expertise in anti-trafficking work
• Focus on practical improvements in service delivery
• Highlight collaboration with stakeholders
• Include trauma-informed and rights-based approaches
• Show measurable and sustainable impact
• Address emerging trafficking risks (e.g., online exploitation)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this grant about?

It supports NGOs to improve services for victims of trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Who can apply?

Legally registered NGOs with at least 5 years of relevant experience.

How much funding is available?

A single grant of up to 19,550 BAM.

What activities are supported?

Shelter support, legal aid, psychosocial care, outreach, training, and system improvements.

What is the main goal?

To strengthen victim-centred assistance and national anti-trafficking systems.

Are partnerships required?

Not mandatory, but coordination with stakeholders is encouraged.

What makes a strong proposal?

Clear impact, strong experience, and alignment with victim-centred and rights-based approaches.

Conclusion

The Council of Europe grant provides a focused opportunity for experienced NGOs to strengthen victim assistance services in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By supporting capacity building, service delivery improvements, and coordinated responses, the programme plays a vital role in protecting trafficking victims and advancing human rights-based solutions.