STATISTICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
On 18 March, UNHCR reiterated that asylum safeguards must prevail during the implementation of the new EU - Turkey Migration agreement. Please find attached the full UNHCR press-release.
Estimate of refugees/migrants currently in Serbia: 2,000
Ten (two on 18/03; two on 19/03 and six on 20/03)* individuals expressed their intent to seek asylum during the reporting period, bringing the total in March 2016 to 440. *Ministry of Interior (MOI) daily statistics
No official arrivals or departures were recorded, but a still small but increasing number of irregular ones, with the help of smugglers, were observed.
Overcrowding and lack of hygiene, sanitation and other reception standards, continue to cause concern amongst refugees, especially in Sid and Adasevci sites.
Though disappointed that their hopes for onward travel / family reunion were not addressed in the EU-Turkey deal, refugees in all sites in Serbia, remained calm and orderly on Friday and the weekend.
On 20 March, Afghan refugees, supported by authorities and civil society, celebrated their new year (Nowruz), in Presevo and Sid.
SOUTH
632 refugees were hosted at the Reception Centre (RC) in Presevo. The total refugee population reduced after some departures from the RC in the last few days. UNHCR finished all individual protection interviews. Preliminary findings identified survivors of violence or trauma, separated families, unaccompanied and separated children as well as medical needs. Comprehensive results will be shared, once fully analysed.
REMAR offered hot meals, fruit, juice, and water in their tent and Caritas and Red Cross distributed breakfast, fruits and soup inside and outside the Tobacco Factory. UNHCR/SPDE distributed 2,182 water bottles, 52 UNHCR blankets, 18 boots, four winter jackets and 264 WFP HEBs. Divac Foundation distributed clothes and food to refugees.
The Health Clinic assisted 185 refugees inside the RC and 34 treated by Natan/Humedica. One child was transferred to Vranje Hospital during the reporting period. The UNICEF/DRC/CSW child friendly space hosted 75 children and 56 women.
On Sunday the Afghan community celebrated the Persian New Year - Nowruz. UNHCR helped by BCM/CRS, Border Free, Humedica and REMAR supported the event providing some traditional food, candies and decorations.
BELGRADE
Approximately 150 refugees, migrants and asylum seekers were assisted every day by UNHCR partners in Belgrade. They were mostly from Morocco, Algeria and Afghanistan, but a few also from Syria or Iraq. Up to 100 refugees/migrants were observed at night in the city centre.
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.
On 18 March, UNHCR gathered partners, donors and authorities for a Strategic Partnership Meeting on the revision of the 2016 UNHCR programme and joint planning for 2017.
WEST
Over 530 refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq, were hosted at the Refugee Aid Point (RAP) in Sid. Rub-halls continue to be overcrowded with families and children. Hygiene and sanitation remain a big challenge with only three functional showers available for the entire refugee population, leading to the spread of lice and other contagious diseases or parasites. UNHCR/HCIT distributed 3,780 water bottles, 700 WFP HEB, 108 UNHCR blankets, 16 winter jacket, 100 hygiene packages and 600 lunch packages. WAHA treated 206 refugees.
122 families from Syria and Iraq, comprising 317 refugees, were sheltered in the motel rooms and rub halls of Adasevci RAP. 45% were children and 25% women. MSF offered medical assistance and BCM/Sid Health Centre treated 46 refugees. The UNICEF/WV/CSW child friendly space hosted 120 children and 45 women.