Following a series of incidents in Sarajevo Canton involving migrants, an initiative has been launched to relocate the temporary reception centre Blažuj.
Although there is political will to close the camp, there are currently no concrete solutions for an alternative location.
The initiative was launched by state representative Saša Magazinović, who stressed that the presence of the migrant centre in the Ilidža municipality is having a negative impact on the local community.
“The Ilidža municipality is number one in terms of economic activity and the number of tourists. The migrant camp and everything we are unfortunately witnessing – crime and even murders – are creating a huge problem for the population and the image of the municipality,” said Magazinović.
The State Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, which manages reception centres in BiH, stresses that relocating Blažuj is not possible without first determining a new location.
“If we want to close this camp, then we have to open a new one. Those who propose the closure must also propose where the new camp will be opened,” said the director of the Service, Žarko Laketa.
The Sarajevo Canton Government also supports the idea of relocating the center, but admits that a new location has not been considered. Cantonal Minister of Interior Admir Katica said that the migrant crisis is the responsibility of the state, not just individual cantons.
“We have not considered any other location. The Cantonal Government believes that this is a problem for the state of BiH,” said Katica.
Cantonal Government Commissioner for Migration Safet Mušić believes that a possible new location should be away from urban areas.
“If a new location is considered, it should not be near urban centers,” Mušić emphasized.
In the meantime, security issues remain a priority.
“From a security perspective, we are not interested in whose jurisdiction it is. It is important to react preventively and prevent similar incidents in the future,” the cantonal structures said.
Ilidža Municipality Mayor Nermin Muzur said that his priority is the safety of citizens, regardless of where the camp is located. However, according to the director of the civil service, as long as there is no agreement between all levels of government and a concrete proposal for a new location, the Blažuj camp will not be relocated.
