STATISTICS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Small numbers of irregular arrivals were noted during the reporting period. UNHCR got to know about 117 entries, of which 58 from fYR Macedonia and 59 from Bulgaria.
Concern about low reception standards in Sid and Adasevci Refugee Aid Points (RAP) and the temporary Asylum Centre in Tutin persisted. Complaining about poor conditions and misinformation by authorities, on 25 March, 31 Syrian refugees, mainly women and children, who had been transferred from Adasevci to Tutin on 23 March, spontaneously returned to Adasevci.
85 persons expressed intent to seek asylum, bringing the total in March 2016 to 640 (statistics courtesy of the Ministry of Interior).
Increased activities by smugglers were noted, with cars with North Serbian and even Hungarian number plates visible in Sid. Over 150 refugees left sites in the South and West towards Hungary, reportedly encouraged by “success” stories sent by those who reached Germany using that route.
SOUTH
On 25 March, 61 Syrian refugees, including women and children, tried to irregularly enter Serbia but were returned by police to the fYR Macedonia side of the green border, where NGOs and UNHCR provided them with humanitarian assistance. Later on the same day, fYR Macedonia authorities offered re-admission to Tabanovce and transport to Gevgelija.
REMAR served hot meals, fruit, juice, and water in their tent and Caritas and Red Cross breakfast, fruits and soup inside and outside the Tobacco Factory. UNHCR/SPDE distributed 3,271 water bottles, 90 UNHCR blankets, 64 boots, 33 winter jackets, 186 pairs of socks and 786 WFP HEBs. Divac Foundation distributed other clothes and food to refugees. The UNICEF/DRC/CSW child friendly space hosted 65 children and 64 women during the reporting period.
The Health Clinic assisted 181 refugees inside the RC while Natan/Humedica clinic had 40 patients. On the 24 March a Senior Sanitary Technician from the Vranje Public Health Institute inspected the RC. All common rooms were disinfected.
Border Free Association and World Vision, together with UNHCR and the SCRM, organised recreational activities including face painting, football tournament and live music.