Over 22,370 migrants have passed through Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) since the beginning of 2018, compared to 1,166 in 2017.
An estimated 5,000– 6,000 people are currently in the country, some 3,500–4,000 of whom need assistance. Most are in Una-Sana Canton in the northwest, where they attempt to cross the Croatian border into the EU.
Migrants are living in sub-standard conditions ahead of freezing winter temperatures. Shelter and NFIs are the most urgent needs.
However, in the past months, the European Union has allocated more than €9.2 million through various projects to support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts in helping migrants and refugees and improving the country’s border management capacities.
The funds have been allocated for several activities such as relocation of migrants and refugees from exposure to inhumane conditions at the camp Trnovi in Velika Kladuša to the nearby camp Miral, which currently hosts around 600 migrants.
The former student dormitory Borići that had housed migrants over the summer is now completely empty, and the reconstruction and renovation works of the premises are ongoing. The migrants and refugees that have been accommodated in the TRC Borići have been relocated to the nearby temporary reception centre (TRC) Bira. There are currently around 2,000 migrants at Bira, and the EU support has primarily been focused on the basic needs such as beds and blankets, all with the aim to ensure better and humane conditions. The construction works in the TRC Borići will be completed by the end of this year.
Works to establish a safer and more adequate accommodation for the families with children and unaccompanied minors are complete. The TRC Sedra has the capacity to host 420 persons, with local and English language lessons being provided for every child. Such activities will continue in the future with the goal to make migrant children’s lives richer and, through education and fun, introduce them to the culture of the host community and facilitate their communication with peers.
Shelter and basic healthcare service have been secured for all migrants on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At all TRCs in Una-Sana Canton, three meals a day are provided to all camp residents.
