Since mid-April, work has officially begun in Cazin on a systemic solution for the financing of organizations of persons with disabilities in the city. These organizations, led by the Dystrophy Association of the City of Cazin, have joined forces to achieve a common goal: systemic funding for these vulnerable groups. A Network of Disability Associations (hereinafter MIU) has been formed, consisting of the Dystrophy Association, the Association of Paraplegics and People Affected by Poliomyelitis Cazin, the Association of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities "Our Children Are Children Too" from Cazin, and the Association of People with Malignant Diseases (UOMO) Cazin. The driving force behind this initiative is Hasmir Delić, president of the Dystrophy Association of Cazin, whose efforts have led to active collaboration among MIU Cazin members. Their clear objective is to ensure that organizations of persons with disabilities (OOSI) in Cazin are recognized by the City Administration as an important actor in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Such recognition would allow them to secure basic funding from the City Budget to implement essential programs for their members - programs that promote social integration and provide health care benefits. In collaboration with the PRAGG project, the Network has launched the campaign “Be Our Strength”.

In the recent period, MIU Cazin has organized significant activities and laid a strong foundation for achieving the goal that brought them together. A civic forum was held in May this year, with participation from representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities (OOSI) as well as Jusuf Barjektarević, advisor to the mayor of Cazin. During the forum, MIU Cazin presented its goals to the public, and the mayor’s representative expressed support for the need to find a systemic solution to the funding challenges faced by OOSI in Cazin. In the meantime, additional support has been secured through organized meetings with the City Administration, including the relevant departments for finance and for general administration and social affairs. MIU Cazin also held a meeting with the Chairman of the Cazin City Council, Rifet Hozanović, who likewise acknowledged the importance of establishing a systemic approach to the funding of OOSI. During the meeting, he demonstrated understanding of the challenges these organizations face and gave his support for resolving this issue in a sustainable and well-structured manner.

In July, MIU Cazin organized a multi-day leaflet distribution campaign to inform citizens about the key aspects of their initiative and advocacy efforts. Over 500 leaflets were handed out directly to the public in front of the "Ljiljan" shopping center in Cazin. This was followed by another activity within the "Be Our Strength" campaign - a civic forum held on July 12. During the forum, attended by around fifty citizens, the campaign and the need for systemic funding of organizations of persons with disabilities (OOSI) were presented. It was emphasized that the real needs of persons with disabilities - addressed through the work of these associations - cannot be adequately met unless their financing is included in the City of Cazin’s budget, at levels that reflect those actual needs. Through the presentation, attendees recognized the importance of services provided by OOSI members, such as various forms of rehabilitation, employment for individuals unable to work in the open labor market, and procurement of specialized orthopedic aids not covered by health insurance. These are needs not addressed by current legislation or national systems, and OOSI organizations continuously seek ways to respond to them by applying for various public calls with project proposals. However, in order to apply successfully, it is essential that these organizations have a stable and systemic source of funding.

The citizens clearly expressed their support for the initiative and offered their help in its further implementation. As a result, it was agreed that ten citizens would take on the responsibility of collecting signatures in support of the MIU Cazin initiative. Each of them will gather signatures within their circles of family, friends, and acquaintances. The signature collection will take place during August.

Hamir Delić from the Dystrophy Association of the City of Cazin and the visionary behind the unification of disability organizations into MIU Cazin, addressed the citizens with words of gratitude and the following message: “Thank you for recognizing our needs. You have understood that disability associations are not just a project in our city - we, and our members, are a reality that Cazin lives every day. We were not founded to be a burden on our shared city budget. As the most vulnerable population in our community, we have organized ourselves with the goal of improving the situation in our society. We want to help our community respond in an organized way to those who truly need support. By supporting our associations, we become an extension of the state. Where the system doesn’t reach, our services begin. We want to continue advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. We want to provide services to those the system has failed to reach - and for that, we need your support. We believe you will be our strength as we move forward toward our goal. Our next planned activities include: drafting the initiative in cooperation with technical secretaries from the City Administration, producing video stories to be shared with the public through social media and other media outlets, continuing to present the need for systemic funding of our associations, and holding meetings with City Administration officials. With your signatures, we will submit the completed initiative to the City Administration, the Mayor, and the City Council for adoption. And we hope that, on December 3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - we will all witness our mayor, in front of us and the public, announce the success of this initiative as a shared victory”.

Indeed, the almost contagious optimism radiating from the energy and work of MIU Cazin leaves little doubt that their activities will be successfully implemented. Starting next year - and in all the years to come - organizations of persons with disabilities (OOSI) in the City of Cazin will be able to continue their vital work without fear for their future. They will keep doing what they do best: improving inclusion, healthcare, and living conditions for their members.