Meet Velid Džakmić our Protection Monitoring Officer

Velid Džakmić is an almost four-year member of the DRC team, starting as a protection outreach officer in Una-Sana Canton. He speaks the Persian language, which makes communication with people on the move easier not only for him but for the rest of the team to provide much-needed help. Before joining the DRC, Velid spent almost three years in Serbia, where he gained invaluable experience working in the centers, which later reflected positively on his dedicated work in the DRC. Currently, Velid is the Protection Monitoring Officer at the temporary reception center Blažuj in Sarajevo.

"My work day begins with a morning briefing with colleagues from the DRC and partner organizations to be informed about the events inside the center during the night and to prioritize activities that consider monitoring accommodation units and identifying newly arrived beneficiaries so that they can be referred to the appropriate services within the center," says Velid.

One of the main tasks of the Protection Monitoring Officer is the identification of vulnerable categories and efforts to ensure that their rights are respected under laws and conventions. Also, to monitor the services provided in the center and to give suggestions on what can be improved to improve the services for beneficiaries because they can always be better.

"I decided to join the DRC because I believe that the DRC's basic postulates are rational and very similar to my beliefs, and we have common goals with which we can help people in need in the best possible way. In addition, the colleagues with whom I spend time in the field provide me with support, which makes the atmosphere during working hours very pleasant," emphasized Velid.

The biggest challenges Velid is facing during the working day are the lack of time to devote to all the people who need assistance. Particularly difficult moments are also when statements are taken from beneficiaries who experienced certain torture on the road they passed.

"On such occasions, I try to explain to people in the simplest possible way what the current situation is at the Center and to refer them to the appropriate service. I believe an individual approach is fundamental because the reaction of the person you are talking to depends on it. Through a pleasant conversation and sharing accurate information, I always find a way to help someone," concludes Velid.

 In his free time, Velid enjoys his family and friends but also produces various objects from wood with the help of a CNC machine.