STATISTICS
Estimate of refugees/asylum-seekers currently in Serbia: 2,000
15* individuals expressed their intent to seek asylum during the reporting period, bringing the total in March 2016 to 402. *Ministry of Interior (MOI) daily statistics
No arrivals or departures were recorded.
SOUTH
The 682 refugees, accommodated in the Reception Centre (RC) in Presevo, comprise 35% Syrians, 34% Afghans, and 30% Iraqi. 33% are children, 29% women and 38% men. Individual protection and solution assessments continued throughout the day, highlighting the need for psycho-social support. Three Iranians, three Algerians and one unaccompanied minor from Morocco who wish to seek asylum in Serbia, had their departure to asylum centres delayed in order to ensure they will be hosted in appropriate facilities.
REMAR offered hot meals, fruit, juice, and water in their tent and Caritas and Red Cross distributed soup and fruits inside and outside the Tobacco Factory. UNHCR and partners distributed 578 water bottles, 140 packets of WFP HEP, 25 UNHCR blankets, six winter boots, and one winter jacket. Public Doctors, MSF, Humedica and Natan treated 69 patients. Three refugees were transferred to medical facilities in Presevo. The UNICEF/DRC/CSW child friendly space hosted 50 children and 29 women. Recreational and sports activities continued.
BELGRADE
UNHCR partners in Belgrade assisted more than 120 refugees and asylum seekers. They were mainly from Morocco, Algeria or Afghanistan, with a few from Syria and Iraq. Some 50 were observed in the city centre at night.
SCRM, UNHCR/DRC, Asylum Info Centre (AIC), Refugee Aid Miksalište, Red Cross assisted them with food, clothes, use of internet and referrals to various services, including hospitals, registration and asylum information. Caritas distributed food and clothes at the park near the railway. MSF offered primary health care and distributed NFIs. AIC remained open 24/7.
At a public roundtable organised by Refugee Aid Miksalište, the Ambassador of Swizerland, the UNHCR Representative, Mr Duraskovic of the Ministry of Interior, Ms Savic of Atina and Ms Curcic of Al Jazeera discussed the “Safety of Refugees Before and After the Closing of Borders”, heightened risks of exploitation and abuse by smugglers, but also the opportunities the current situation offers to Serbia to develop its migration and asylum system, including refugee integration, in line with international standards and the EU accession process.
WEST
521 refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, stayed at the Refugee Aid Point (RAP) in Sid. The rub hall was overcrowded with many families and children sleeping on the floor. Limited water supply and frequent power failures restricted access to showers and other services. UNHCR/HCIT distributed 828 water bottles, 200 WFP HEB, 34 UNHCR blankets, 4 winter jackets, 21 boots, 44 hygiene packages, 180 antibacterial gels and 200 food packages. WAHA treated 67 refugees.
329 refugees were sheltered in the Adasevci RAP. Toilets and showers were still out of order in several motel rooms, where families remain accommodated. Failure of heating in the rub halls led to an increase demand of pyjamas, underwear and clothes. MSF treated 33 refugees and BCM/Sid Health Centre 22. The UNICEF/WV/CSW child friendly space hosted 60 children and 20 women.