Hans Friedrich Schodder, UNHCR Representative in Serbia today accompanied Aleksandar Vulin, the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs and the Chairman of the Working Group for Resolving Problems of Mixed Migration Flows of the Government of Serbia to the opening of an important processing centre for refugees in Presevo. Responding to continuing arrivals of 600-1,000 refugees every day, central and local authorities, with support of UNHCR, managed to establish this impressive new centre within less than ten days.
Having fled war and persecution in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan, many of the refugees, women and children amongst them, arrive in Southern Serbia exhausted after an arduous journey through Greece and Macedonia.
Refugees register their intention to seek asylum at the new centre in Presevo. Vulnerable refugees also receive first aid, water and food there as well as referrals to medical, social or other public services, before they continue their onward journey intending to find protection with family and friends in Western or Northern Europe.
Since early June, UNHCR has assisted 13,000 vulnerable refugees with water, food and hygiene items, delivered through the Red Cross in Presevo. It is also contributing computer and other equipment to authorities working in the centre. UNHCR reimburses pharmacies in Presevo and Vranje for basic medications that they provide to refugees upon prescriptions by local health centres.
As lead agency of the UN for refugee matters, UNHCR also coordinates sister agencies, including UNICEF and WHO, to support Serbia in the refugee situation.
UNHCR remains committed to continue supporting the Government of Serbia to receive refugees humanely by providing access to territory, first aid, safety, basic assistance and services. “The opening of this new Processing Centre”, Mr Schodder said “is another expression of Serbia’s strong pro-active engagement in European solidarity to refugee crises and a milestone in the development of its asylum system.”
UNHCR opened its office in Belgrade in 1976. Since 1992 the UN Refugee Agency has assisted Serbia’s protection and integration of refugees, other displaced and stateless people with over 500 million Euros.
Contact: Mirjana Milenkovski, Public Information/Communications Unit, UNHCR Serbia Tel 011 3082 103; email: [email protected]
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