Project

During January 2017, 7,300 refugees and asylum-seekers were counted in Serbia, with over 6000 (i.e. 82%) accommodated in 16 government shelters, many exceeding their capacities. During this period, 1,200 refugees predominantly male refugees, including 250-300 boys, slept outside in parks in the city center and refused to go to official governmental shelters. Humanitarian agencies provided counselling, referrals and transport to governmental asylum and reception centers for accomodation; registration with the police; child protection and medical services. The situation was very difficult, especially considering weather conditions and temperatures below -10 degrees celsius during the nights.

The closure of the “Balkan route” has decreased the daily number of people who enter Serbia, but the flow hasn’t stopped. Now, 20 – 30 new refugees come into Serbia every day, which is a drop from the 100-150 refugees that were entering each day in the bad winter conditions before.

The people in Belgrade city center needed the most help, but also those accommodated in governmental shelters needed help since the capacity of the shelters was exceeded. Through our fieldwork, we identified urgent cases daily. Mainly, we saw the need for winter clothing, footwear, and basic medical treatments. Also, there was a need for portable chargers and credit for mobile phones as that is one of the only ways for refugees to keep in contact with their families.

This project will provide urgent support for those identified by our mobile teams as well as partner organizations in the field to ensure that the basic needs of refugees are being met. Also, we will support governmental shelters with necessary goods.