Urgent assistance to migrants in Serbia

After the outburst of migrant crises in the Balkans, ASB focused its efforts on the municipalities which are situated on the northern border of Serbia, close to Hungary (Kanjiža and Subotica). During July and August, ASB team, consisted of engineers, social workers and volunteers visited this area and provided urgent assistance to a large number of refugees.

In Kanjiža, ASB was heavily involved in initial setting up of the shelter and is in the daily contact with the staff managing the shelter. We provided eight mobile toilets, sanitary container with showers and hot water, and external system of taps with running water (20 taps). ASB is closely monitoring the situation, and supporting the Shelter on the daily basis. Nevertheless, more support is needed. We are in the process of providing more sanitary containers and toilets. Moreover, we are organizing a mobile teams consisted of social workers, nurses, doctors and translators, supported by persons for technical support and drivers.

Most of the migrants in Subotica are situated on the location of the old brickyard factory (Stara Ciglana), 2 km outside of the city center. The migrants are using this location as a resting point because there are two open wells where they can wash and refresh. ASB installed eight mobile toilets in Stara Ciglana but it is very hard to provide more structural support because of the lack of electricity and running water.

According to the data of Ministry for internal affairs of Serbia, more than 90.000 migrants were registered to enter Serbia from the beginning of 2015. Majority of migrants are entering Serbia from FYROM and Bulgaria, on its south and east borders, but mostly at the border town of Preševo. Currently, the situation in Preševo, concerning the migrants crisis, is alarming, but under control, having in mind that the Government of Serbia opened a shelter in Preševo on 8^th of July, 2015, which is located in the old Tobacco company. Around 1500 migrants are entering Serbia and stopping at Preševo each day. According to the Commissionaire for refugees and migration statement, during the next month or two, influx of 2000 to 3000 refugees a day will is expected.

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