Population figures
Total country population
3,194,378
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
437
Asylum-seekers:
136
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
91,223
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
5
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
1,441
Country context
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. The country’s complex administrative structure consists of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska, alongside the Brčko District.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has faced significant challenges, particularly since 2018, when large numbers of people began transiting through the country towards the European Union and Western Europe. The country is a key transit point for individuals fleeing conflicts and seeking protection, particularly from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. However, BiH's asylum system has struggled to efficiently process claims due to a high volume of arrivals and administrative bottlenecks.
...Bosnia and Herzegovina's legal framework for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons has undergone significant developments in recent years. The Law on Asylum, which came into force in 2016, provides the basis for the asylum process, ensuring that individuals seeking international protection have access to procedures for asylum and subsidiary protection. The law also outlines rights to shelter, healthcare, education, and social assistance for individuals under international protection. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also a signatory to international conventions related to refugees and stateless persons, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.
While BiH has worked to improve its asylum procedures, challenges remain. Many asylum-seekers experience long delays in registration and decision-making, which hinders their access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to be a key issue in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stemming from the conflict that took place between 1992 and 1995. Many IDPs still live in collective centers or informal settlements, awaiting long-term solutions such as return to their place of origin, local integration, or resettlement. Although Bosnia has made progress in addressing the needs of IDPs, the resolution of their situation remains an ongoing challenge, with many IDPs facing uncertain legal status and limited access to housing, education, and employment.
Statelessness is another concern in Bosnia, although significant strides have been made in addressing this issue. The country has taken steps to identify and protect stateless individuals, such as improving birth registration and providing legal aid services.
Show more
