The Delegation of the European Union continues to actively support Republic of Serbia in dealing with refugee crisis and strengthening the capacities of state and local governments. Three centres for registration and accommodation of migrants have been adapted and fully equipped, while two other centres are under (re)construction, thanks to donations of the European Union. Furthermore, the functioning of 19 reception centres in Serbia is supported by EU funds, in terms of operational costs coverage. Capacities of the Commissariat for refugees and migration are also strengthened in order to provide better services to people in transit through Serbia.
Total capacities of the One-stop Centre in Presevo, have been substantially increased, so the centre can now accommodate up to 1500 people. Although the number of migrants in centre during the summer months decreased comparing to the same time last year, expansion of accommodation facilities is crucial due to upcoming winter period.
Retention period in the center for the majority of migrants is 3-4 days on average. They usually move to One-stop Centre in Subotica, border crossings at Kelebija and Horgos, after which they continue their journey through Hungary.
Family of Amer Sadudin (35) is among many families which currently sojourn in Presevo center. The family is of eight members: Amer , his wife Alham Amito (30) and six underage children – Abdul (10), Mustafa (9), Raid (7), Odei (5), Ahmed (2,5) and the youngest Basil, only a year-and-a-half old. They left their home in Syria many months ago, seeking to a find a safer environment and a chance for a better life in some of more developed EU countries. After the horrors of the war they had to endure, the family fled Syria to pursuit their dream.
The journey to a “better tomorrow” was not very easy for Sadudin family. From Syria they crossed to Turkey on foot. From Izmir (Turkey) they moved to Greece, traveling by sea. After 25 days spent in Greece they continued their travel across Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. From border town of Djevdjelije they headed towards Tabanovce, and from there by train to Serbia. They immediately registered in Presevo center where they have been accommodated for the past few days.
In the camp in Presevo, as Amer states, they have everything – from the basic services such as shelter, warm bed and food to immense altruistic care from Commissariat Staff, who manages the center, and Police protection.
“In Serbia we got all the essentials we needed, along with unexpected kindness. More importantly, we finally feel safe. Here we acknowledge the empathy and solidarity which we appreciate very much”, said Amer.
