News in English     | 18.02.2018. 08:51 |

Van der Auweraert: IOM teams provided direct assistance to over 320 migrants

FENA Kanita Aliagić

SARAJEVO, February 18 (FENA) – There has been an increased inflow of migrants in the Western Balkans and BiH over the past few months, who are coming through the recently opened route from Greece, across Albania, Montenegro and lately from Serbia to BiH.

 

By: Kanita Aliagić

Migration Management Support Teams of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have provided direct assistance to around 320 migrants and asylum seekers from June 2017 to February 2018, including over 90 minors, who belong to vulnerable group of migrants.

Peter Van der Auweraert, representative of IOM and Sub-regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans stated this in an interview with FENA, stressing that number of illegal migrants and asylum seekers is still low, even though inflow significantly increased during last year and over the initial months of 2018.

“It is difficult to determine the exact number of migrants and refugees in BiH and the region, because we only have information about the people that have been processed by the competent state bodies,” he said, adding that IOM is maintaining contact with state agencies and UNHCR on a daily basis to prepare the best response to the situation at hand.

He said there are currently 82 asylum seekers in the asylum center, 78 migrants in the migration center, whereas around 100 people are in a private accommodation of religious communities and non-governmental organizations.

He added he is pleased that people of BiH and state institutions are welcoming migrants and fully respect their human rights.

Asked if IOM has formed teams to provide sanctuary and first aid to refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and other war affected areas, Peter Van der Auweraert said they have their teams.

“As a response to increased inflow, IOM increased its staff in migration management support teams situated in Istočno Sarajevo and Mostar at the end of 2017. They provide first medical and psychosocial aid to the vulnerable groups of migrants,” he emphasized.

He added they also secured a translator in Arabic language for easier communication.

“According to press releases of representatives of police agencies in BiH, the most affected area is Trebinje, so it is important to stress that IOM is also working with the Red Cross Trebinje to secure enough food, hygienic supplies, clothes and shoes for migrants,” concluded Peter Van der Auweraert in his interview with FENA.

(FENA) A. B.

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