On the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which is marked on September 27th, Pope Francis decided to send a concrete sign of support and closeness to migrants who currently live in several camps in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the Apostolic Nunciature in BiH.
A press release from the Apostolic Nunciature in Sarajevo notes that during 2019, about 30,000 people passed through BiH, and that in the meantime, the “Balkan route” through BiH became the main section for migrants before entering the European Union.
“With his donation, the Pope will support the establishment of two services for the reception and coordination of activities in the transition centers Usivak (near Sarajevo) and Sedra (near Bihac), where unaccompanied families and minors are accommodated,” it is stated.
The distribution of aid, containing clothing, sanitary supplies, blankets and food, is entrusted to Catholic humanitarian organizations operating in the field: Caritas BiH, Italian Caritas, Ipsia-Aclio and the Archdiocesan Center for Youth Pastoral John Paul II.