The citizens' association Vjera & Nada, together with 10 other non-governmental organizations from Brčko, has submitted an initiative to the Government of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the urgent adoption of the Law on Professional Rehabilitation, Training, and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

Brčko is the only part of Bosnia and Herzegovina that has not yet adopted this law, which puts persons with disabilities at a disadvantage compared to other parts of the country. The adoption of this law would enable greater workforce inclusion, financial security, and increased independence for persons with disabilities.

The initiative emphasizes that the adoption of this law would not only ensure equal employment opportunities, but also contribute to the economic independence of persons with disabilities, as well as fulfill the international obligations of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

"Persons with disabilities have the right to work and economic independence. This law is necessary to create conditions for their active participation in the labor market. Further postponement only prolongs discrimination and denies opportunities to those who need them the most", emphasized Nataša Damjanović, president of the Vjera & Nada association.

The organizations that supported the initiative expect the Government of the Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina to initiate the procedure for adopting the law as soon as possible, inform them about the steps already taken regarding the law's adoption, involve representatives of the non-governmental sector in this process, and ensure the full implementation of the law in the future.

A strong community begins with inclusion – employing persons with disabilities benefits society as a whole!