This population group concerns both refugees from the former Yugoslavia who were recognized by the Ministry of Security, and refugees from Croatia who were registered as refugees by the Republika Srpska.
The majority of this population group (6,677 individuals) consists of refugees from Croatia (1991-1995). UNHCR has advocated for the cessation of refugee status for refugees from Croatia by no later than the end of 2017. In light of this deadline, UNHCR will continue to work closely with the authorities at the State and entity levels. Following up on UNHCR’s outreach to vulnerable individuals, in 2017, UNHCR will work closely with State and entity authorities to ensure that remaining refugees from Croatia who wish to locally integrate in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but have not yet managed to do so, are assisted in obtaining legal residency, and a clear path to citizenship during 2017. UNHCR will also continue to support voluntary return to Croatia in 2017. Among those in need of assistance locally integrating, UNHCR will continue to support the selection of eligible refugees from Croatia for the Regional Housing Project, and support income generation grants for a limited group of extremely vulnerable individuals and families.
This population planning group includes also 76 refugees from the former Yugoslavia, who have a clear path to naturalization as Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens, based upon their Ministry of Security recognized refugee status, which allows them to naturalize as Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens with five years of permanent residency under the Law on Citizenship. Currently, 31 refugees from the former Yugoslavia are living in the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees refugee reception centre near Mostar. They are long term residents who now face the option of naturalizing as Bosnia and Herzegovina citizens, but this will also mean that they will need to find new accommodation as they will need to give up their refugee status. UNHCR is working closely with MHRR to reposition the Refugee Reception Centre into a short-term facility for newly recognized refugees and assists them with integration into society. Furthermore the office will work on identifying housing possibilities for refugees through existing projects, i.e. through the Bosnia and Herzegovina Roma Action Plan, and any other available programs for economic empowerment at local level for which newly naturalized former refugees will be eligible.
In 2017 UNHCR will continue to support free legal aid for all refugees, including support for naturalization, and limited psycho-social and income generation support. Emphasis will be placed on income-generating support, and vocational training for integrating refugees, specifically designed based on assessment and analysis of situation of refugee families targeted by such assistance, using participatory approach, and including assessment of situation at the location where refugees reside.