New Policy Paper Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation to Ensure Housing for Women Survivors of Violence in the Western Balkans

Belgrade, December 2024 – The newly released policy paper Housing Solutions for Women Survivors of Violence: Strengthening Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions for women survivors of gender-based violence across the region. Developed by NGO Atina as part of the project United Against Domestic Violence in the Western Balkans – Regional Cooperation and Support for Shelters for Victims of Domestic Violence, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) Southeast Europe, this paper provides concrete recommendations to address systemic gaps and enhance regional collaboration.

Despite national and international efforts, women survivors of violence in the Western Balkans continue to face significant barriers to accessing safe housing. Many shelters operate at limited capacity, long-term housing solutions remain scarce, and vulnerable groups—such as Roma women, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals—often encounter additional obstacles.

The policy paper highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks, increased funding, and cross-border cooperation. It draws on key international mechanisms, including EU integration processes, the Istanbul Convention, the Berlin Process, and Germany's feminist foreign policy, to propose comprehensive housing strategies that ensure survivors receive the protection and long-term support they need.

Key recommendations include:

Establishing a regional housing fund to support the construction and maintenance of shelters and long-term housing solutions.

Signing a joint regional declaration to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation on combating gender-based violence and victim protection.

Expanding social housing programs and ensuring equitable access to safe housing for all survivors, including those from marginalized groups.

Strengthening cross-border initiatives to improve data-sharing and support services among safe houses in the region.

This paper's findings are based on analytical research and insights from a regional workshop in Skopje, attended by representatives from 21 shelters across the Western Balkans. The project has supported 11 shelters through reconstruction and equipment donations, trained nearly 100 staff members, and gathered over 70 experts, government representatives, and ministers for policy discussions.

This publication calls on policymakers, international donors, and civil society organizations to prioritize housing solutions as a fundamental aspect of survivor protection and empowerment. By leveraging existing legal and financial instruments, the Western Balkans can build a more resilient and inclusive system for women escaping violence.

For more details, read the full policy paper here: