Deadline: 29-May-2026
The UNICEF call for proposals aims to improve access to protection and social services for Roma communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a strong focus on children and girls. The initiative seeks to reduce exclusion, discrimination, and barriers to essential services while strengthening community engagement and institutional support systems.
The programme prioritises community-based solutions that address both immediate protection risks and long-term social norms affecting Roma families.
Key Objectives of the Programme
- Improve access to inclusive protection and social services for Roma children and families
- Reduce stigma, discrimination, and structural barriers to services
- Strengthen prevention of violence and harmful practices
- Enhance community engagement and trust in institutions
- Empower Roma girls and promote gender equality
- Improve coordination between communities and service providers
Focus Areas
- Community outreach and engagement initiatives
- Improved access to social protection, education, and healthcare services
- Prevention of violence, child marriage, and harmful practices
- Targeted support and empowerment of Roma girls
- Family and caregiver engagement programmes
- Strengthening links between communities and institutions
Context and Challenges
Roma communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina face deep and persistent marginalisation, including:
- Limited access to social protection systems
- Barriers to education and healthcare services
- Lack of personal documentation and formal recognition
- Informal or unstable housing conditions
- Weak coordination between institutions
- High levels of discrimination and social exclusion
- Low trust in public institutions
Key Risks for Children and Girls
- Exposure to gender-based violence
- Child and forced marriage
- Risk of trafficking and exploitation
- Limited awareness of rights and available services
- Reduced access to timely protection and support systems
Programme Approach
The initiative promotes community-driven, sustainable solutions that go beyond awareness-raising. It focuses on:
- Building trust between Roma communities and institutions
- Changing harmful social norms and behaviours
- Strengthening community-led protection mechanisms
- Ensuring active participation of Roma girls in programme design and implementation
- Creating safe spaces for girls and vulnerable children
Institutional Collaboration
Projects are expected to work closely with local institutions, including:
- Social work centres
- Schools and education authorities
- Healthcare providers
- Local government structures
This collaboration aims to improve:
- Early identification of risks
- Referral systems for protection and support
- Access to essential services
- Coordination between service providers and communities
Geographic Scope
- Projects should cover multiple Roma communities
- Balanced geographic distribution is encouraged
- Broader reach and systemic impact are prioritised
Funding Details
- Two grants will be awarded
- Each grant is up to BAM 100,000
- Funding is provided by UNICEF
- Eligible applicants must be registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Who Is Eligible?
- Roma civil society organisations
- Non-profit organisations registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Organisations working directly with Roma communities
- Applicants must meet all UNICEF eligibility and submission requirements
How the Programme Works: Step-by-Step
- Identify community needs and protection gaps within Roma populations
- Design community-based interventions focusing on children and girls
- Build partnerships with local institutions and service providers
- Develop strategies for behaviour and social norm change
- Include empowerment activities for Roma girls and families
- Prepare proposal according to UNICEF guidelines
- Submit application for evaluation and selection
Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance to Roma community needs
- Strength of community participation and engagement
- Potential to reduce violence and harmful practices
- Quality of collaboration with local institutions
- Sustainability of social and behavioural change
- Impact on girls’ empowerment and protection outcomes
Why This Programme Matters
- Addresses deep-rooted exclusion of Roma communities
- Improves access to essential social and protection services
- Reduces risks of violence, exploitation, and early marriage
- Strengthens trust between communities and institutions
- Promotes gender equality and empowerment of Roma girls
- Supports long-term social inclusion and equity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on awareness without behavioural change strategies
- Weak involvement of Roma communities in project design
- Limited collaboration with local institutions
- Ignoring gender-specific vulnerabilities of girls
- Lack of clear protection and referral mechanisms
Pro Tips
- Prioritise meaningful participation of Roma girls and families
- Build strong partnerships with schools, health, and social services
- Focus on long-term behavioural and social norm change
- Ensure safe spaces and empowerment activities for girls
- Demonstrate strong community trust-building strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main goal of this UNICEF call? To improve access to protection and social services for Roma children and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- How many grants are available? Two grants
- What is the funding amount per grant? Up to BAM 100,000
- Who can apply? Roma civil society organisations registered in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- What groups are prioritised? Roma children, especially girls at risk of violence and exclusion
- Does the programme focus only on awareness? No, it focuses on behavioural change, community engagement, and institutional linkages
- Are partnerships required? Yes, collaboration with local institutions is strongly encouraged
Conclusion
This UNICEF initiative provides a targeted opportunity to strengthen protection and social inclusion for Roma children and girls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By focusing on community engagement, institutional cooperation, and behavioural change, the programme aims to reduce long-standing inequalities and improve access to essential services. Organisations that demonstrate strong community trust, inclusive approaches, and sustainable impact will be best positioned to succeed.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
