Risks growing for increasing numbers of refugees and migrants crossing the Western Balkans
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
UNHCR is concerned about increasing risks facing refugees and migrants in the Western Balkans with more people using this route for their journeys. Men, women and children are often walking for days, some exposed to violence and abuse, or accidents along train tracks.
What has become known as 'the Western Balkans route' is seeing a dramatic increase in refugees and migrants. Some are registering for asylum in the Balkans, others are heading onwards.
Between 2012 and 2014 the number of people registering their intention to seek asylum in the Western Balkans went from 5,000 to 20,000, a four-fold increase. So far in 2015, the numbers have been rising further, with over 22,000 asylum claims lodged in Serbia alone in the first five months of the year, a six fold increase from the same period as last year. Close to 10,000, new asylum-seekers were registered by the authorities in May alone. Authorities and civil society in Southern Serbia are currently stretched to provide basic humanitarian aid, registration and accommodation to some 200 asylum-seekers that approach them each day for help, having crossed the border from fYR Macedonia. UNHCR estimates that at least an equal number of people potentially in need of international protection forego registration, have been moving through the region irregularly, with the help of smugglers. The vast majority of them seek to reach Western Europe crossing into Hungary.
Most of those travelling this route are from refugee-producing countries, mainly Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Eritrea and Somalia. They mostly come via Greece, and with the recent surge in sea arrivals there, the number of people undertaking this journey is expected to grow further.
The situation is particularly difficult in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia where refugees and migrants follow rail tracks and mountain routes, walking for days exposed to train accidents, natural elements and to abuse and threats from smugglers and criminal networks. A series of fatal accidents over the last few months have been a reminder of the dangers, including to young children and women.
UNHCR has been advocating for improvements to the asylum systems in this region since the early 1990s. Existing capacities are inadequate for the scale of arrivals. In particular, we have been working closely with the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to amend its Law on Asylum and Temporary Protection, so that people potentially in need of international protection are registered and get access to legal processes. The proposed changes, which are still to be approved by the Parliament, urgently need adoption and implementation.
In Serbia the situation is more positive and asylum-seekers are not detained. UNHCR is working to increase its support to the efforts of authorities and civil society to provide basic assistance, services and access to procedures.
The situation remains critical and will require further support, including through joint efforts with the European Union, national Governments, and NGOs.
For more information on this topic, please contact:
- In Sarajevo, Neven Crvenkovic on mobile +387 61 611 082
- In Greece, William Spindler on mobile +41 79 217 3011
- In Geneva, Babar Baloch on mobile +41 79 557 9106
Your search for « macedonia » matched 1648 results. Only the first 1,000 results are displayed. Displaying page 24 of 112 pages.
-
Kosovo: planning for return continues
8 Jun 1999 ... Around 500 new arrivals were counted yesterday in the two countries - Albania and FYR of Macedonia. ... In the FYR of Macedonia yesterday there were around 420 new arrivals at three border points (Blace: ...... -
Housing repair project in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
24 Sep 2002 ... UNHCR will hand over its housing repair effort in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the ... allowing tens of thousands of people uprooted by the conflict in FYROM to return to their homes. ...... -
High Commissioner due in Skopje this afternoon
28 Sep 2001 ... His visit is aimed at reaffirming UNHCR's commitment in supporting the peace agreement in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), specifically to help create conditions for the safe return ...... -
Lubbers calls for continued international support for peace in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
28 Sep 2001 ... community to maintain its commitment to build peace in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). "While the world prepares for a fight against terrorism, it must not lose its focus in ...... -
UNHCR calls for international security arrangement in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
6 Sep 2001 ... Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and allow the return of refugees and displaced persons. "Introducing an international presence to fill the security vacuum is the only way to prevent further violence. ...... -
UNHCR South-eastern Europe Information Notes, Issue 11
31 May 2001 ... Republic of Macedonia, and Albania. Issued every month. 31 May 2001 Issue 11 UNHCR South-eastern Europe Information Notes At a Glance: • Macedonians flee fighting in northern Macedonia • Peace ...... -
2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
21 Aug 2006 ... 2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook TFYR MACEDONIA 1951 Convention: State party Region (MDGs): ... Asylum-seekers* Returned refugees** 492 2004 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook TFYR MACEDONIA 1. Refugee ...... -
2002 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
1 Sep 2004 ... 2002 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook FYR MACEDONIA 1951 Convention: State party Region (MDGs): Developed ... Refugees* 300 2002 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook FYR MACEDONIA C. REFUGEES AND ASYLUM-SEEKERS IN FYR ...... -
2005 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook Country Data Sheet - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
30 Apr 2007 ... 2005 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook TFYR MACEDONIA 1951 Convention: State party Region (MDGs): ... Asylum-seekers Returned refugees* 514 2005 UNHCR Statistical Yearbook TFYR MACEDONIA 1. Refugee ......