UNODC in Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in the Diplomatic Winter Bazaar in Sarajevo 

3 December 2022, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Diplomatic Winter Bazaar is a charity event organized every year by the international community in Sarajevo to support children and young people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year, the UNODC Programme Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina (POBIH) joined 40 embassies and international and local organizations to raise funds for charities that provide essential services and assistance to children in need across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Diplomatic Winter Bazaar contributes to a better protection of children from violence, abuse, and neglect. Funds collected at the event benefit disadvantaged children and young people facing poverty, cancer, mental or physical illnesses, exploitation, and trauma. The Bazaar's donors, contributors, and organizers are united under the slogan “Zajedno možemo puno, zajedno možemo više!” (“Together we can do a lot, together we can do more!”).

This year, approximately 11 000 people visited the Bazaar, enjoying the unique holiday atmosphere, experiencing different cultures, and sampling a diverse selection of dishes and beverages from around the world. Visitors to the POBIH booth had the opportunity to learn about UNODC and the activities conducted by the UNODC Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe aimed at fighting organized crime and corruption, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons and migrants smuggling, and other activities implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Many enthusiasts participated in an entertaining quiz to test their knowledge of UNODC's mandates while other visitors could admire paintings created by children and youth, capturing their perspectives on corruption and its consequences for society. Paintings were donated by the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption and Coordination of the Fight Against Corruption (APIK) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who joined the UNODC booth to showcase common anti-corruption efforts.

The Diplomatic Winter Bazaar is still fundraising and collecting donations from sponsors and also online and will continue to do so in January and February 2023.  The amount of funds raised and the selected beneficiaries will be announced at a press conference in February.