Humanitarian Assistance for Families of Informal Waste pickers in Obrenovac

The fourth distribution of humanitarian aid for families of informal waste pickers was organized at the Rom Humanitarian Center in Obrenovac, this time for families from Obrenovac. A total of 14 families, comprising over 70 members, received packages containing food, essential household items, hygiene products, and other necessities, while the youngest family members received small gift packages.

This initiative represents an additional form of support provided by the PRO – Local Governance for People and Nature programme to informal waste pickers to improve their economic situation. The programme particularly focuses on 61 families across 12 local governments who have been directly affected by the modernization of the waste management system.

Given the current economic difficulties these families face, a synergy of support has been established with the Get Involved! project, implemented by the Centre for Digital Inclusion from Niš, which is also funded through the PRO programme. In addition to strengthening the capacities of vulnerable groups through various educational programmes, this project has also developed the I Have – I Need application, creating a sustainable mechanism for humanitarian donations from citizens and organizations in the form of food, clothing, or furniture for those in need.

Although the PRO programme primarily focuses on strengthening sustainable and systemic mechanisms for the economic empowerment of informal waste pickers, the distribution of humanitarian aid is crucial during this transitional period as they seek new sources of income.

The programme "PRO - Local Governance for People and Nature" is jointly implemented by the agencies of the United Nations in Serbia - UNOPS, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNEP, in cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Serbia and with the financial support of the Government of Switzerland.