Since the beginning of the migrant crisis caused by the war in Syria, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has been facing the problems of the inability to provide adequate care and accommodation for migrants. However, as it seems, the situation is stable this year, and according to the data of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), BiH is currently ready to adequately respond to this challenge.
The beginning of the migrant crisis caught BiH unprepared, and a large number of migrants slept on the streets or in accommodation that is not adequate for taking care of people. The situation was particularly alarming in the area of the Una-Sana Canton (USC), because the largest number of migrants tried to cross the border in that part.
According to the latest data presented by the head of the IOM mission in BiH, Laura Lungarotti, there are currently 3,000 to 3,500 migrants in our country. There are 2,700 people in the transit camps, and the rest are, of their own free will, outside the camps. Mainly out of the desire to be as close as possible to the border, that is, to move faster.
The current situation in BiH is stable, the numbers are under control and the capacities of the reception centers are sufficient to provide adequate support to everyone who needs it. The IOM, in coordination with the authorities, is closely monitoring the situation and do not expect emergency situations in the coming months.
Winter is once again a source of certain fear, but the IOM says that this time everyone is ready and will not allow anyone to stay on the streets. The mobile teams of this organization meet newly arrived migrants and provide them with first aid and transport to the first accommodation capacity. The IOM states that there are prepared accommodations so that the situation is in no way alarming.
Currently, there is an increase in number of migrants in the Western Balkans region, but this is primarily the result of the abolition of visa facilities in the countries of the region. Therefore, it is not expected that it will have too much impact on BiH.
All migrants enter BiH from the territory of Serbia, and lately the Bus station in Bratunac is the main destination of a large number of them, who, after illegally entering our country, go from this municipality to Tuzla or Sarajevo.
Most migrants arrive from Afghanistan, followed by Pakistan, Burundi and Bangladesh.
What is also positive is the much greater willingness of the authorities to cooperate with the IOM. All police structures are actively involved in solving the migrant crisis, which, with the help of colleagues from the European Union (EU), suppress smuggling and illegal crossings.
It is quite certain that BiH will continue to face the challenge of the migrant crisis in the coming period, but it is evident that, due to the EU’s interventions in suppressing the Balkan route, and the greater readiness of local authorities, the situation this time is much less critical and alarming, Klix.ba reports.
E.Dz.
