Issuance of the first UN Refugee Convention travel document in Serbia, March 2024 © Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Serbia welcomes the issuance of the first UN Refugee Convention travel document by the Serbian Ministry of Interior on 27 March 2024.
The obligation of States to issue travel documents to refugees lawfully staying in their territory is set out in Art 28 of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. In accordance with this provision, the Republic of Serbia has incorporated provisions for issuing travel documents to those who have been granted international protection within its national legislation.
“UNHCR congratulates the authorities of Serbia on yet another significant step in furthering the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, in particular freedom of movement for refugees. This is very important for refugees as they now have the possibility to travel. Refugee students, in particular, will benefit as they will now be able to travel for educational purposes on equal footing with their peers” said Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia.
Permanent residence was also granted to one refugee for the first time two days ago, which represents yet another positive step forward in offering meaningful inclusion of refugees in Serbia in line with conditions set out in the national law.
“This attests to the joint efforts that the authorities of the Republic of Serbia, UNHCR and the European Union have invested into enabling refugees to fully enjoy their rights in Serbia“, Adjali added.
UNHCR established its presence in Serbia in 1976 and has been supporting the Government in protecting and assisting forcibly displaced persons and persons at risk of statelessness in the country. The organisation attempts to ensure that all persons in need of protection enjoy their rights and have an opportunity to contribute to the economic, social and cultural life of the society in Serbia. As of mid-March 2024, there are 248 recognized refugees from beyond the region in Serbia.
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Issuance of the first UN Refugee Convention travel document in Serbia, March 2024 © Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia
Issuance of the first UN Refugee Convention travel document in Serbia, March 2024 © Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia
Issuance of the first UN Refugee Convention travel document in Serbia, March 2024 © Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia
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