Today, September 18, 2025, the Network of Associations of Persons with Disabilities in Cazin held a press conference, symbolically organized during the week marking the International Day of Democracy, at which it presented its initiative for systemic funding of organizations of persons with disabilities in this city.

This initiative, supported by more than 600 citizens through their signatures, is the result of intensified efforts undertaken since mid-April this year by organizations of persons with disabilities united within the Network.

Citizens have recognized the needs of association members with disabilities—such as various forms of rehabilitation, employment opportunities for those unable to find work on the open labor market, procurement of special orthopedic aids not covered by health insurance—needs that the state has failed to incorporate into legislation and systemic solutions. To meet these needs, disability organizations have been forced to apply to various public calls with project proposals. Now, all that remains is for the authorities to recognize them as well.

At today’s press conference, the Initiative was presented by Hasmir Delić from the Association of People with Dystrophy in Cazin, which leads the campaign “Be Our Strength”, Jusuf Bajrektarević, Advisor to the Mayor, and Refik Samardžić from the Association “Our Children Are Children Too.”

Hasmir Delić shared expectations and emphasized the need for the City of Cazin to begin systemic funding of disability organizations starting in 2026.

Judging by the statements of the Mayor’s advisor, there is room for optimism.

Namely, Jusuf Bajrektarević stated that the City of Cazin will support all disability organizations that have programs and submit financial reports. He added that the City will strive to adapt its finances to the needs of the Disability Network.

Still, knowing our politicians, it is wise to remain reasonably skeptical about words and wait for actions.

Refik Samardžić from the Association “Our Children Are Children Too” noted that children and young people with developmental difficulties cannot function with only 5,000 BAM per year and expressed the expectation that in 2026 the City of Cazin will provide stronger support to disability organizations.

After the press conference, members of the Network of Associations of Persons with Disabilities in Cazin submitted the Initiative and the citizens’ signatures of support to the City Administration of Cazin, addressing them to the Mayor and the Chair of the City Council.

It should be recalled that Hasmir Delić had earlier expressed his expectation “that on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we will all see our Mayor stand before us and in front of the public present the success we all share—the adoption of this initiative.” He added:

“We, the most vulnerable population of our city, have organized ourselves, and through our uniting we seek to improve the state of our society. We want to help our community in an organized way to support those who truly need assistance. By supporting our associations, we become the extended arm of the state. Where the system does not reach, our services begin. We wish to continue advocating for the interests of those who cannot do so themselves. We want to provide services to those for whom the system has failed to provide.”