New elevator in Bosanska Krupa — A concrete step toward inclusive municipal spaces
In Bosanska Krupa a contract has been signed for the installation of an elevator for persons with disabilities, as part of the EMPOWERED project activities implemented across all 15 participating municipalities. The agreement was concluded between the LIR CD organization and Elmedina Kavazović, Secretary of the Administrative Body of municipality Bosanska Krupa. The elevator will be fitted into an existing shaft in the municipal building and is scheduled for completion by mid‑April. Once installed, it will substantially improve accessibility of public spaces, facilitate access to municipal services, and ease daily life for residents who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility. This intervention is one of several local inclusive projects being implemented within the EMPOWERED regional initiative. By delivering tangible infrastructure improvements alongside psychosocial support, career counselling and capacity‑building activities, the project pursues a holistic approach to inclusion. Key goals include strengthening local institutional capacities, enhancing access to services and public buildings, promoting equal participation in public and economic life, and creating sustainable local solutions that can be replicated across the Western Balkans. Practical accessibility measures such as this elevator are important because they remove everyday barriers, increase independence, and signal a broader commitment to dignity and rights. Infrastructure upgrades work together with training, policy work and community engagement to change attitudes, open opportunities for education and employment, and build more inclusive municipalities for all residents. We thank our partners and local stakeholders for their cooperation. This concrete step toward better accessibility reflects the project’s aim to combine direct local improvements with regional exchange of good practice to ensure lasting impact across all 15 municipalities.
Empowered result – Local action plan for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Bosanska Krupa
The City of Bosanska Krupa has adopted and published its Local Action Plan for the inclusion and advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities for 2026–2028. The plan was developed in cooperation with LIR Civilno društvo (LIR CD) as part of the regional EMPOWERED project. Overview The plan sets a clear vision of Bosanska Krupa as a community of equal opportunities and defines strategic goals and time‑bound measures to remove physical, communication and institutional barriers that limit full participation of persons with disabilities. Key goals Planned measures The plan includes concrete interventions such as building adaptations and accessibility upgrades, accessible web and digital mapping tools, professional trainings for teachers and public servants, vocational and career counselling programmes, establishment of a day centre, pilot supported housing, and a local grant scheme to support newly formed organizations of persons with disabilities. Monitoring will be carried out through quarterly oversight meetings and annual evaluations. Regional scope These activities are being implemented across all 15 municipalities participating in the EMPOWERED project, ensuring coordinated local action and exchange of best practices throughout the Western Balkans. Project lead and donor The EMPOWERED project is led by Arbeiter‑Samariter‑Bund Deutschland e.V. (ASB) and implemented locally by partners including LIR CD. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). For more information and to access the full Local Action Plan, visit: [link]
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03
PROVISION OF COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EXPERT CONSULTANCY AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS, CAPACITY-BUILDING OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, AND EDUCATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (PwDs) We inform you about cancellation of the tender procedure for provision of comprehensive services for expert consultancy and development of local strategic documents, capacity-building of local stakeholders, and educative support to the people with disabilities (PwDs)/ (three lots), within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, Ref.No. BOS2404_CDI/SER T 03, due to technical irregularities in the tender evaluation.
“Employment is a right” — Mr. Fatmir Sabriu at the Empowered Trilateral Conference, Skopje
“Employment Is a Right” — Speech by Mr. Fatmir Sabriu at the Empowered Trilateral Conference, Skopje. “Honored members of the diplomatic corps and institutions,Dear colleagues and partners from the region,Honored representatives of civil society organizations and organizations of persons with disabilities, It is my honor to address this Trilateral Conference, which once again confirms that inclusion is not just a national issue, but a shared responsibility and a global human-rights obligation.We live in a time of deep social transformation — demographic changes, labor shortages, accelerated technological development and growing inequalities. In this context, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labor market is not only a social need but a strategic necessity for sustainable development.Therefore, the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth has launched significant systemic reforms, supported by the World Bank. We are not only changing regulations — we are changing the approach to support, work and inclusion.Two key pillars drive this transformation: the new Law on Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment and the new System for the Assessment of Persons with Disabilities. They are the foundation of a modern, fair and functional model of employment policies.But it is important to say clearly — we are not starting from zero. The Law on Employment of Persons with Disabilities has for more than 20 years created real employment opportunities. Through sheltered enterprises and support measures, about 5,000 people are employed today, of whom more than 2,150 are persons with disabilities.Through the Special Fund for Improving Employment and Working Conditions of Persons with Disabilities, non-refundable funds are allocated for employment, workplace adaptations, equipment procurement and employment assistants. In 2025 alone, over 121 million denars were disbursed through this fund, including requests not realized in the previous year. Of these funds, 107 million denars were allocated for the current year — of which over 53 million for employment — which resulted in 80 new jobs for persons with disabilities, and over 54 million for equipment, directly contributing to better working conditions and greater productivity in sheltered enterprises and among employers.These figures show that the system works. But they also tell us something else: that it is time to take a further step — from sheltered to open employment, from segregation to full inclusion.That is why we are building the new Assessment System as a mechanism to unlock potential, not to label limitations. We are moving away from the medical model and toward a human-rights-based approach, in line with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.In the same spirit, we see vocational rehabilitation as a bridge between human potential and economic participation. Our goal is supported employment, employment assistants, adapted workplaces and a real transition to the open labor market. Besides vocational rehabilitation and support, the system also foresees the introduction of quotas for the public and private sectors. But even in this segment, responsibility is not only institutional — it is shared by all of us.Experience in the region and beyond teaches us another important lesson: quotas alone do not create inclusion, funds alone do not create equality, and good intentions alone do not create opportunities. What creates inclusion is a system — a system built on the right to accessibility, appropriate accommodation, quality education, lifelong learning and genuine partnership with the private sector and organizations of persons with disabilities. The private sector should not be seen only as an obligor, but as a key ally in building an inclusive economy, while organizations of persons with disabilities are an essential partner in designing, implementing and monitoring policies themselves. No country in the region can achieve this transformation alone. Alongside cooperation with organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society organizations and private entities, regional cooperation is also a key instrument. Through joint learning, exchange of experience and joint action in line with international standards, we can together contribute to establishing systems that are sustainable, coherent and future-oriented.Allow me to finish with one thought.Disability policies are often seen as programs, measures and laws. But at their core, they are a question of how societies define human dignity.Assessment is not a verdict. Vocational rehabilitation is not a privilege; it is an important tool of the state for persons with and without disabilities.Employment is not a service. It is a right. And the role of the state is crucial in overcoming barriers and building an environment with real opportunities for full participation for all of us, with or without disabilities.Thank you.” Speaker: Mr. Fatmir Sabriu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, RN Macedonia
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T05
On 11th of February 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for theProvision of comprehensive expert services for vocational education and training (VET), work integration,career counselling and psycho-social support for persons with disabilities (PwDs), reference numberBOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T05 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs),regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry forEconomic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead,to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.org The deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 11. 03. 2026, by 12:00.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 02
TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF EQUIPMENT FOR SUPPORT TO LOCAL COMMUNITY WITHIN LOCAL INCLUSION PROJECTS FOR PwDs/ CITY OF LESKOVAC We are informing you that on 09.02.2026. the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for the supply of equipment for support to local community within local inclusion projects for PwDs/ city of Leskovac, reference number BOS2404_IDC/SUPP T 02, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is March 11th, 2026. at 12:00 hours.
EMPOWERED — Trilateral Conference in Skopje: Strengthening inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities
The trilateral EMPOWERED conference in Skopje, dedicated to empowering and including persons with disabilities, was successfully held with a focus on employment, alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and strengthening regional cooperation. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, embassies, civil society, organizations of persons with disabilities, employers, and experts from the region to exchange experiences, good practices, and concrete proposals for further progress. Opening remarks were delivered by: Main themes and panels The conference was structured around three key panels addressing comprehensive aspects of inclusion: Panelists: * Mrs. Monika Trajanova, Member of the Inter-party Parliamentary Group on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Member of Parliament, Republic North Macedonia* Mr. Dejan Gorgievski, Association for Disability and Justice, Republic North Macedonia * Ms. Suada Hawa, National Agency for Employment and Skills, Albania * Mr.Petrit Bllaca – PREDA Plus, KosovoMs. Bardhylka Kospiri, Senior Advocate for Disability Rights, Albania * Mr. Enron Seiti, Help the Life Association, Albania * Mr. Fatmir Sabriu, Secretary of State, Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth RN Macedonia * Mr. Aleksandar Rončević – EMPOWERED project consultant, presentation of survey results* Mrs. Biljana Talevska, Director – Association of Protective Companies of Macedonia* Mr. Zarko Selkvoski, President – National Union of the Blind of the RN Macedonia* Mrs. Vlora Limani Hajnuni, Advisor, Ministry of Justice, R. Kosovo* Mr. Xhenis Beqiri – Down Syndrome Kosovo* Ms. Migena Spaho, Director of Social Services, Municipality of Tirana, Albania* Ms. Doljana Velia, Activist for Disability Rights, Albania Key outcomes and recommendations – The conference produced concrete recommendations to enhance inclusion and employment of persons with disabilities, including: Organizers and support – The event was organized by ASB South East Europe, CDI Macedonia — ИРЗ Македонија, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation and PREDA Plus Foundation. The EMPOWERED project is implemented by ASB and regional partners with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The trilateral EMPOWERED conference in Skopje reaffirmed the importance of joint action to build barrier-free communities and create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. In the coming period, it will be essential to implement the recommendations, strengthen partnership mechanisms and continue the dialogue so that inclusion becomes a tangible reality at local and regional levels. Together we build barrier-free communities.
Tender Ref. No.: BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T03
We inform you that on 03 February 2026 the organization ALFA Centar is announcing a call for tenders for the provision of services: Formulation of local inclusion plans and training for local stakeholders and preparation of local inclusion projects, reference number BOS2404-ALFA-SER-T03, within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons with disabilities, regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request to obtain the tender documentation on company letterhead to the e‑mail address: alfacentar@t-com.me The deadline for submission of bids in accordance with the tender documentation is 04 March 2026, by 12:00.
Tender Reference No.: BOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T06
On 29th of January 2026, organization LIR Civil Society hereby announces the launch of a tender for the Provision of services for logistic support of the Study visit in Croatia and Slovenia, reference number BOS2404-LIRCD-SER-T06 within the project “EMPOWERED – Inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), regional cooperation and development in the Western Balkans”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders are invited to submit their request for tender documentation on company’s letterhead, to the e-mail addresses: zoran.basic@lircd.org; maja.katic@lircd.org and ivana.bojinovic@lircd.org The deadline for submitting offers in accordance with the tender documentation is 02. 03. 2026, by 12:00.
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/WORKS T 01
Tender ref.no.: BOS2404_IDC/WORKS T 01 TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF PREFABRICATED HOUSE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN CITY OF DIMITROVGRAD We are informing you that on 27.01.2026 the organization Initiative for Development and Cooperation is opening the procurement for the construction and installation of prefabricated house for persons with disabilities in city of Dimitrovgrad, reference number BOS2404_IDC/WORKS T 01, within the project “EMPOWERED – INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS), REGIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS”, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development, Germany (BMZ). All interested bidders may send a request on company’s memo to request the tender documentation to the e-mail procurement@idcserbia.org. The deadline for submitting offers is February 26st, 2026. at 12:00 hours.