UNHCR marks 50 years in Serbia with an exhibition in Preševo, reflecting on solidarity and a decade since the 2015 refugee crisis

PRESEVO, 26 June – The Representation of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Serbia opened an exhibition at the Cultural Centre in Preševo marking 50 years of UNHCR’s work in Serbia, with a special focus on the refugee crisis that began in 2015 and the solidarity shown by local communities along the route.

Held in the week of World Refugee Day, the event brought together representatives of the Municipality of Preševo, the Centre for Social Work, OSCE, partner organizations, local institutions and members of the community. The exhibition presents five decades of UNHCR’s presence in Serbia, from the first people seeking protection in the former Yugoslavia, through the large refugee crises of the 1990s, to mixed movements from 2015 onwards and continued support to people seeking safety today.

Over the past decade, Preševo has played a particularly important role in the response to the mixed movement through Serbia. For many people fleeing war, violence and persecution, most often from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries affected by conflict, Preševo was one of the first places where they received information, humanitarian assistance, health and social support, and a dignified reception after a long and exhausting journey.

“World Refugee Day reminds us of the strength, courage and dignity of people who were forced to leave their homes because of war, violence and persecution. It also reminds us of the responsibility we all share, institutions, local communities, organizations and individuals, to provide protection, support and the chance for people seeking safety to rebuild their lives,” said Soufiane Adjali, UNHCR Representative in Serbia.

Speaking at the opening, Ardita Sinani, President of the Municipality of Preševo, emphasized the importance of local solidarity and cooperation with UNHCR and partners in responding to the needs of people forced to flee.

“Preševo showed during the refugee crisis that solidarity is not just a message, but a daily practice. Our citizens did not ask about nationality or religion; they saw people in need and offered them support. With the support of UNHCR, local institutions, organizations and volunteers, Preševo provided safety, dignity and hope to thousands of people. This exhibition remains a reminder that humanity always prevails when we choose solidarity over indifference,” said Ardita Sinani, President of the Municipality of Preševo.

This year also marks three important anniversaries: 50 years of UNHCR’s work in Serbia, the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, and the 65th anniversary of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. These milestones are a reminder that protection is not an abstract concept, but concrete support to people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

UNHCR expressed gratitude to the Municipality of Preševo, the Centre for Social Work, OSCE, partner organizations, local institutions and citizens for their continued cooperation and support. Their engagement over the past decade has shown how local solidarity, institutional response and partnership can make a direct difference in the lives of people forced to flee.

The exhibition will be open to visitors at the Cultural Centre in Preševo until Monday, 29 June. Through historical materials and testimonies, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about UNHCR’s work in Serbia, the development of refugee protection over the past five decades, and the role of Preševo during one of the most significant refugee movements in recent European history.