The City of Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina is actively embracing a future of comprehensive inclusion, guided by the efforts of a dedicated local working group. This significant initiative is being implemented within the framework of the EMPOWERED – Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, Regional Cooperation and Development in the Western Balkans project, where LIR Civil Society serves as a key partner. Activities in Foča represent a concrete step towards transforming the city into a truly inclusive place for all its citizens.
The local working group, composed of diverse community stakeholders, has diligently worked on amending the city’s strategic vision. Their collaborative efforts aimed to integrate the principles of equality and accessibility into the core of Foča’s development plans. This initiative directly reflects the EMPOWERED project’s commitment to strengthening institutional mechanisms and fostering inclusive policies at the municipal level.
As a result of intensive discussions and dedicated work, the group has formulated four proposals for a new inclusive vision for Foča. These proposals articulate a future where the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are fully recognized and supported:
- Vision 1: The Municipality of Foča is an inclusive city where persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all segments of life—social, cultural, educational, and economic—and fully realize their human rights.
- Vision 2: The Municipality of Foča creates a barrier-free environment, where the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are recognized, and the local community actively supports their equal participation.
- Vision 3: The Municipality of Foča is an inclusive community where persons with disabilities freely access public services, their participation and contributions are recognized, and they have the support of the local government.
- Vision 4: The Municipality of Foča is a city of equal opportunities and full inclusion, where persons with disabilities are fully informed of their rights and actively participate in decisions affecting them at all levels of life and within the community.
These proposals are not merely words; they are fundamental statements that will guide future actions in areas such as accessibility, public services, cultural life, education, and economic participation. The commitment demonstrated by the working group in Foča is strong evidence of the project’s ability to inspire tangible change.
The EMPOWERED project, in partnership with LIR Civil Society and the Municipality of Foča, remains dedicated to fostering a barrier-free environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute fully.