Since 1998 CARE is implementing activities directed at promotion of local economic development. CARE’s Sustainable Economic Development Programme is aimed at impacting on the high levels of local unemployment. More dynamic local economy that CARE promotes has also assisted the refugee return process by helping ensure that income generation is possible. The programme is introducing a number of sustainable economic development projects which build on opportunities identified in the Municipalities through a process of local consultations. Those include projects related to strengthening SMEs, local institutions capacity building and tourism promotion.  CARE activities focus on improving the level of business service provision as well so that SMEs and others can benefit from increasingly high standards of local advice and assistance.

CARE’s human rights programme is focused on prevention of trafficking of human beings in the region. By building capacity of local organisations and networks engaged in anti-trafficking CARE’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative assists governments to suppress trafficking in SEE region and help victims to integrate into society. In terms of promotion of minority rights, CARE provides strong support to Roma organisations and communities through direct involvement of Roma representatives in implementation of initiatives that are aimed at improving lives of vulnerable Roma population.  

CARE has implemented variety of projects throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina that focused on reconstruction activities and provision of employment opportunities for returnee population. CARE is engaged in implementation of Minority Return projects that will enable displaced people to return to their pre-war homes and also for the returnee communities to obtain infrastructure critical to sustainable reintegration.  

CARE’s background and experience demonstrates strong and practical commitment to partnership and cooperation. This has been demonstrated through implementation of joint projects with local stakeholders and organisations. Of particular note is the approach adopted Sustainable Returnee Programme where Municipal Economic Councils were formed as a means of better integrating municipal services with the needs of local communities. In EU QIF project strong emphasis was on increasing the capacities of a wide number of municipalities through both technical assistance and project development. CARE has also supported the establishment of Public Private Partnerships which bring together a range of partners, including municipalities, to consider and act on economic development priorities.

USAID