While Europe reluctantly accepts refugees and helps the unfortunate citizens of Ukraine, the government in our country is silent. The image of the state is saved by citizens, the Red Cross, individuals and lower levels of government.
The Council of Ministers, more precisely Zoran Tegeltija, is waiting. However, the news that the funds have not yet been approved simply offends not only common sense but especially BH spirit.
Hundreds of thousands of displaced Ukrainians have arrived in European countries and the region in the past seven days. Mostly women, the elderly and children. The timely response of the institutions of these countries enabled them to be taken care of. The entry of Ukrainians is also registered on the border of our country.
“In the last three days, more than 100 citizens of Ukraine have been registered, 60 of whom have been registered at the entrance to Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important to note that these are regular passengers, and so far there have been no registered persons who have expressed the need for a temporary permit or asylum, “said Francka Vican, spokeswoman for the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnians are ready to help and take care of Ukrainian refugees, the poll said.
Concrete measures have been taken by the Red Cross of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has already established a single humanitarian number to help refugees. By calling bh. citizens donate two BAM, but that is not enough, they say.
“We are lagging behind in many parts of Europe, groceries are necessary for such situations, so from now on we will start the procedures for purchasing life items necessary to provide a meal worthy of a man, which is our goal,” said Rajko Lazic, Secretary General of the BiH Red Cross.
We asked the representatives of state institutions what is the goal and plan for taking care of Ukrainian refugees. We will remind you that the state parliamentarian Sasa Magazinovic asked the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to launch humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs Bisera Turkovic requested an emergency session. An emergency session was not held. In the meantime, the Council of Ministers did not deserve, despite the efforts of Minister Selmo Cikotic, to urgently approve 200,000 euros for the needs of taking care of Ukrainian refugees.
“Other possibilities for help will be considered later. What is very important at the moment is the fact that if Ukrainian citizens ask for protection and assistance in terms of accommodation and reception on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, we currently have asylum facilities at our disposal, namely the center in Delijas, near Trnovo, and the center for the reception of refugees and displaced persons located in Salakovac, near Mostar, “Cikotic said.
The Salakovac refugee reception center is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees. Although we also approached this ministry with questions about capacities and conditions, our inquiry remained unanswered. Whether the competent institutions are preoccupied with the possible scenario of the influx of refugees or just do not feel obliged to address the public and talk about this topic – we will find out if there is mass migration.
After all, it will not be the first time that bh. institutions react late and ineffectively, and the situation is almost always shocked.
Source: Federalna
