Public Call: anti-Trafficking in Persons (anti-TIP)

Government. Trafficking in persons continues to be a major challenge in the country, with the U.S. Department of State Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report characterizing Bosnia and Herzegovina as a source, destination, and transit country for men, women, and children who are subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. In 2013, Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Strategy to Fight Trafficking in Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2013-2015, and placed the Ministry of Security in charge of implementing the plan. Bosnia and Herzegovinian women and young girls are subjected to sex trafficking within the country. Local girls, particularly Roma, and girls from other countries in the region were trafficked for forced marriage or for domestic servitude. Arranged marriages, especially in the Roma population, are also a concern, as they can result in various forms of human trafficking. Lack of consent of one or both of the spouses may cause major doubts about their individual rights, and often they are subject to physical and sexual violence, coercion by threats, psychological and social pressure, emotional blackmailing, and other humiliating, degrading, and controlling actions. The fight against human trafficking in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a priority for the U.S. Government. To assist Bosnia and Herzegovina efforts to combat trafficking, funds will be used for assistance to victims, especially children and marginalized populations such as Roma, particularly those affected in Bosnia and Herzegovina by forced labor and child begging forms of trafficking. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Marginalized Populations Support Activity (PPMG) invites all organizations able to legally operate in Bosnia and Herzegovina to submit their project proposals for supporting the implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Initiative (Anti-TIP). Project proposals may address, but are not limited to, the following issues concerned with the fight against trafficking in persons: sex trafficking, forced labor, particularly child begging, and arranged marriages especially in the Roma population. The shortest duration of the project is 6 months and the longest is 18 months. During the project implementation, the applicant will be responsible for managing the contents and the financial segment of the project, and for submitting narrative and financial reports to USAID PPMG. Applications and the required documentation must be submitted in one of the official languages and alphabetic writing systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Evaluation Committee of PPMG conducts an initial review of the applications based on the information and documentation submitted by applicants. Preliminary review includes the following criteria: completeness of the application, harmonization with the eligibility criteria, and past performance in the sector the organization is applying for. During evaluation, preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate a specific, responsible approach and methodology for working with the Roma, set attainable numerical targets in a realistic time period, can benefit from and be complemented by USAID technical assistance and expertise, demonstrate the ability to successfully partner with government, other organizations and various stakeholders working with marginalized groups in BiH, and create synergy by involving multiple stakeholders.