Shaping more inclusive Bosnia and Herzegovina

August 6, 2026

Photo: Purple-tinted outdoor crowd with a woman in a bright dress at center.

We Want Opportunities, Not Sympathy

How a new generation of young people with disabilities is finding its voice

At the age of 18, Armin Babović discovered something that would shape the course of his life.

"I met people who had already been active in disability rights for years. They recognised my potential, encouraged me to take responsibility and gave me the opportunity to contribute. I realised that activism was a way to do something meaningful for others while growing as a person."

Today, at 25, Armin from Tuzla serves as President of the Youth Network of Persons with Disabilities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Blind since birth, he is one of a new generation of young leaders determined to ensure that disability is never a barrier to education, employment or participation.

Triptych of three people: man in beige shirt outdoors, woman in yellow, man in hoodie on couch. — Armin Babović

UNDP

For many young people with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, that goal remains a daily struggle. Schools and universities are often chosen based on accessibility rather than ambition, support services remain limited, and too many young people still feel invisible in decisions that directly affect their lives.

Founded in 2024 within the Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Youth Network brings together around 50 members aged 18 to 35 from across the country. More than an organization, it has become a community where young people connect, learn from one another and advocate for equal opportunities.

The Network's third Youth Forum, held this July under the theme "Young Persons with Disabilities: A Vision for the Future," once again demonstrated the power of bringing young leaders together.

For Sanja Dejanović from Doboj, now Vice-President of the Youth Network, the experience exceeded every expectation.

"The Network has given me much more than I expected. It helped me step outside my comfort zone, build confidence and realise that I am capable of much more than I once believed."

Triptych photo: left man with arms crossed, center woman in white dress, right man in hoodie. — Sanja Dejanović

She says the Network's greatest strength lies in the support its members provide one another.

"Young people encourage each other, share experiences and grow together. Through workshops, seminars and joint activities, we gain knowledge, confidence and opportunities to become active members of our communities."

For Said Kladušak from Mostar, recently elected to the Network's Steering Board, the greatest challenge facing young people with disabilities remains the combination of physical, institutional and social barriers.

"Too often we are seen through our limitations instead of our potential. We still face inaccessible education, limited employment opportunities and attitudes that underestimate what we can contribute."

Yet he believes the Network offers something many young people have never experienced before.

"It gives you a sense of belonging. You realise that your opinion matters, that your experiences have value and that you are not facing these challenges alone."

Beyond the Forum, members of the Youth Network continue to advocate for lasting change. This year they led the nationwide campaign "Personal Assistance – the Key to Freedom and Equality," calling for a sustainable personal assistance system across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together with the Information Centre Lotos and UNICEF, they are also helping strengthen the advocacy skills of young people through the project Together for Independent Living.

For Armin, however, success is measured less by projects than by the future they are helping create.

"In ten years, I hope Bosnia and Herzegovina will be a country where young people with disabilities have equal access to education, public transport, employment and community life. But above all, I hope society will recognise us as equal citizens—with the same dreams, talents and aspirations as everyone else."

That vision captures the spirit of an entire generation. They are not asking for sympathy or special treatment. They are asking for what every young person deserves: equal opportunities, independence and the chance to contribute fully to the society they call home.