On the World Refugee Day a total of 20 families in Bujanovac were to move in their new, socially sustainable apartments, built thanks to the EU project “Support to the Implementation of the Strategy for IDPs, Refugees and Returnees in Serbia” and financial support of €330.000.
The project in Bujanovac will allow the closure of the “Salvatore” collective centre, one of the worst of its kind in the country. It was , co-funded and implemented by UNHCR, while local authorities of Bujanovac donated the land and infrastructure.
“And while UNHCR in its report yesterday announced that the refugee population is growing in the world, it is such a pleasure to be able to say that it is declining in Serbia, thanks to EU financial support and hard dedication of the Commissariat, UNHCR and other partners,” EU Delegation to Serbia Head of Operations Yolanda San Jose said.
The building in Bujanovac is the latest in a series of EU-funded projects to help finding long-lasting housing solution for refugees and internally displaced persons.
In 2013 the EU constructed 25 apartments in Zaječar and Gadžin Han, 11 prefabricated houses in Požega and distributed 45 financial grants for 45 village houses, as well as 66 construction material packages.
“Today is very happy day for these 20 families who receive keys to their new homes. I believe that today, on World Refugee Day, closing the doors of Salvatore collective centre, one of the worst of its kind, has great symbolism. It also gives us strength to continue with our mission, together with the Commissariat, to close all remaining collective centres in Serbia,” San Jose said.
Since 2000, when the EU started providing assistance to Serbian refugees and IDPs, the number of collective centres was down from 388 (close to 27.000 people) to 14.
“Together with Commissariat for Refugees, and its dedicated team we work hard every day until to make sure we close all collective centres in Serbia as soon as possible,” San Jose said.
“In Bujanovac specifically, we will help you to also close Stara ciglana collective centre through our ongoing programmes (IPA 2014),” she added.
The EU is Serbia’s biggest donor and EU donations for Serbia’s refugees and IDPs now amount to €74 million.
“We have helped thousands of people return to their homes, or find new housing in Serbia. We provide many of them with financial help to start their own business and become financially independent. We have also helped many people by providing them with free legal advice to settle their court disputes or property issues,” San Jose said.
The EU will continue its assistance until every single of 57.000 refugees and 210.000 internally displaced persons left in Serbia have found a durable solution for their housing situation, she added.
Statement is available here.
