International forum of solidarity - Emmaus

Association „International Forum of Solidarity – Emmaus“ (IFS-EMMAUS) is a domestic, non-governmental humanitarian organization with headquarters in Doboj Istok, offices in Sarajevo, Zvornik, Srebrenica and Velika Kladuša. It was established in early 1999 with the aim of providing assistance to all vulnerable categories of population in a state of need with a field of activity in the entire territory of BiH, and beyond. According to its scope of work, projects and capacities, it is one of the largest humanitarian and non-governmental organizations not only in BiH, but also beyond. It currently has over 270 employees and over 50 active volunteers who are a great support to the work and a base for new employees.

Through its long-standing experience, IFS-EMMAUS has implemented a wide range of activities focused on humanitarian assistance and emergency response in crisis situations. At the same time, the organization has continuously developed and implemented numerous activities aimed at education, capacity building and empowerment of young people, professionals from various fields, as well as providing expert assistance and structured support to persons in need.

Educational Activities and Capacity Building
• Boarding accommodation for children in Potočari (Srebrenica) – 53 children accommodated in the 2025/2026 school year.
• Daily centers for children in Potočari, Zvornik and Doboj Istok (150 children).
• The Center for Children and Youth “Veliko Srce” provides support to a total of 53 children and young people with various mental and physical disabilities. The center offers a safe and adapted environment where participants receive:individualized support and educational activities, therapeutic and social programs, opportunities to develop social skills and participate in inclusive activities, chances for creative expression and personal development. This initiative enables children and young people with disabilities to develop their abilities, build self-confidence, and actively participate in community life, with continuous support from professional staff.
• Monthly financial support for over 3,500 children without one or both parents across BiH, including provision of school supplies, clothing, excursions and educational assistance.
• Scholarship program for more than 4,500 children in Burkina Faso (Africa).
• Prevention of child abuse through ICT, including the establishment of the child protection portal www.sigurnodijete.ba.
• Organization of trainings, workshops and professional development activities for youth and professionals in areas such as human rights, anti-trafficking, digital safety, social protection and community work.

Youth Engagement and International Cooperation
• International Youth Working Camps in Srebrenica, implemented continuously for over 20 years, promoting volunteerism, intercultural dialogue, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
• Implementation of Erasmus+ and other EU-funded projects, including:
o Resilient Youth: Active Citizenship in the Digital Age (Erasmus+ 2023-1-TR01-KA151-YOU-000143870)
o Voice of CSOs in Fighting Trafficking in Human Beings – strengthening the role of civil society in protecting human and women’s rights and combating trafficking.
• Active engagement of volunteers as a foundation for youth empowerment and civic participation.

Humanitarian Activities and Social Protection
• Reception Center “Duje” (Doboj Istok) – accommodation and comprehensive care for over 480 beneficiaries (elderly persons, persons with disabilities, individuals with mental health disorders and homeless persons).
• The Centre for Elderly Persons in Srebrenica will provide long-term accommodation and comprehensive professional services, including health, psychological, social, and community support, to preserve the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of the Mothers of Srebrenica (40 Mothers). The objective of this activity is to provide safe, dignified, and continuous institutional support to women who survived genocide and prolonged trauma, and who are now facing the challenges of old age, declining health, and an increased risk of social isolation. Through a structured and professional care approach, the initiative seeks to ensure a quality of life that respects their lived experience, personal dignity, and historical role in the pursuit of truth and justice.
• Project “One Meal per Day” – provision of daily meals for more than 900 beneficiaries in multiple municipalities.
• Soup kitchen in Doboj – preparation of up to 250 meals daily in cooperation with local authorities and religious community representatives.
• Distribution of humanitarian aid – over 15,000 aid packages annually, including food, hygiene items, assistive devices (wheelchairs, glasses), livestock, greenhouses and other livelihood support.
• Construction and reconstruction of more than 70 houses for socially vulnerable families, as well as support in building and equipping public facilities.
• Emergency humanitarian assistance to crisis-affected areas (Palestine, Syria, Albania, Sandžak and others).
• Assistance to victims of trafficking in human beings and irregular migration, including protection and reintegration support.
• Nursing and community-based health care services for vulnerable individuals.

Solidarity Economy and Sustainable Development
• Development of self-sustainable and solidarity economy initiatives, including the legal entity IFS-TRADE Dairy Plant.
• Integration of social services with economic empowerment models to ensure long-term sustainability of support programs.