Mostar faces rising homelessness and public safety concerns

Mostar is facing renewed challenges regarding homelessness and public safety. According to the Red Cross Mostar, there are between 15 and 20 individuals identified as homeless living in the city. Additionally, authorities have noted an influx of people from other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Zenica and Sarajevo, who arrive to engage in begging.

Citizens have filed numerous complaints regarding individuals occupying public spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, citing disturbances to public order, littering, and potential involvement in minor crime or the exploitation of minors.

In response to a broader decline in security—including incidents of shootings, knife attacks, and organized begging—the political group Naša stranka Mostar has called for urgent institutional action. They are advocating for the permanent staffing of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, improved conditions for police officers, and the introduction of security culture education in schools to address these growing social and safety concerns.