January 2021
I am very worried about the current developments related to the rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia. As Serbia has a lot of experience with reception of people fleeing war, and in view of the welcome its citizens extended to the refugees from the Middle East since the start of the 2015 refugee crisis, we have been surprised and concerned with the increase of negative rhetoric on social networks and in some media. Giving a human face to the figures, explaining the reasons for flight of refugees, writing about their capacities and knowledge, the contribution to the society they may make, could greatly help in dispelling the misconceptions, says UNHCR Representative in Serbia Francesca Bonelli.
UNHCR marked its 70th anniversary in 2020, though its mandate was initially set to three years to find solutions for WW2 refugees. What is the current situation in terms of numbers? Which countries are the most affected by refugee crises?
Indeed, the initial plan was that UNHCR would cease to exist after three years. As the new conflicts erupted on all the continents, UNHCR was asked to assist and protect millions of forcibly displaced people around the world. Regretfully, ever since their number has been increasing by year. We start 2021 with global unprecedented 79.5 million forcibly displaced people of whom 29.6 m are refugees and 45.7 m IDPs. The conflicts continue raging despite UN SG appeal for a ceasefire during the pandemic. UNHCR notes with concern that new conflicts are emerging while the old ones have not been resolved: the civil war in Syria is entering its 10th year; the violence in Afghanistan continues for the 4th decade; the list is long and disgraceful for humankind. 67% of all refugees come from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar. These are amongst the most urgent displacement situations that UNHCR is heavily involved in.
Sadly, the wars around the world continued, each bringing specific challenges. However, today everyone including refugees face a completely new global challenge –Covid-19 pandemic. What are the challenges faced by UNHCR and what are the specific needs of refugees in order to minimise health risks?
COVID-19 has not stopped wars and consequently, the flight of the affected populations. However, a certain drop in the numbers is evident, mostly due to the national restrictions of movement: 90 countries in the world closed their borders completely, and some even returned refugees. Return of refugees to the territories where their lives would be in danger – refoulement – constitutes a violation of Art. 33 of the Refugee Convention. UNHCR is pleased and very grateful that Serbia kept its borders open, enabling access to asylum to those in need. The pandemic, now in its 12th month, has affected all of us. Still amongst the most severely impacted were the most vulnerable: refugees, other forcibly displaced within their own countries, the stateless and the marginalized. Globally, UNHCR mounted the COVID-19 response-related activities in late March 2020. Given that 80% of all forcibly displaced are hosted in low-income countries, the Agency stepped up health, water, sanitation and hygiene services for them. At the same time, we continue working with the governments to ensure that these groups are included in COVID-19 response plans. Around the world, we have procured or delivered more than 25 million various protective items. We have also intensified disbursement of the virus-related cash assistance which has reached USD 50 million. UNHCR is very pleased and grateful that Serbia has included refugees and asylum-seekers into its national vaccination plan.
In the COVID-19 induced circumstances, the media reported about huge numbers of refugees in Serbia comparing the situation to the ”invasion”. How many refugees and migrants had been accommodated in the reception and asylum centres in Serbia in 2020? What is the current situation in the centers and what is your estimate about the number of refugees/migrants sleeping rough?
UNHCR is deeply concerned about the speech on refugees/ migrants “invading” Serbia. Looking at the reliable data from the relevant Government institutions, our own and those of our partners, we reiterate that this is completely unfounded. Compared to the situation in the previous years, the number of new arrivals kept declining throughout 2020. The number of refugees and migrants in the country varied between 7,000 and 10,000 in any given month of last year. At the same time, we witnessed attempts to exit the country, as the vast majority continues to perceive Serbia as a transit country. Currently, 6,400 refugees and migrants are accommodated in the 19 asylum and reception/transit centers around the country, while approximately 1,100 refuse to enter the system and remain outside them.
We are witnessing a rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia, antimigrant rhetoric that different political stakeholders have been resorting to. The members of extreme nationalistic movements are patrolling the streets of Serbian cities in search of refugees and migrants. Are you worried by these developments and how best to counter xenophobia?
I am very worried about the current developments related to the rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia. As Serbia has a lot of experience with reception of people fleeing war, and in view of the welcome its citizens extended to the refugees from the Middle East since the start of the 2015 refugee crisis, we have been surprised and concerned with the increase of negative rhetoric on social networks and in some media. People are usually frightened by the things they do not know or understand. Giving a human face to the figures, explaining the reasons for flight of refugees, writing about their capacities and knowledge, the contribution to the society they may make, could greatly help in dispelling the misconceptions. And this is where I see the crucial role of professional journalists and professional media – to help us make sure that facts and the real picture are presented to the public. Thus, the citizens will be able to take a stand based on the facts and not on the fake news. Let us keep in mind that only a small number of these people decided to stay in Serbia and received international protection here – in 2020 only 144 persons applied for asylum and 29 received international protection. And also that UNHCR and other international organisations, CSOs and the national authorities have been working together to provide services and aid to the refugees to ensure the citizens do not feel deprived or unable to access them.
Children, unaccompanied children in particular, are an especially vulnerable group. What are the activities of UNHCR focused on them, particularly in the context of improved integration as a prerequisite for quality life in the new environment?
Protection of refugee and asylum-seeking children lies at the heart of UNHCR mandate. Last year, children constituted 40% of the forcibly displaced population in the world i.e. between 30 and 34 million. Globally, UNHCR works with governments and local organizations to assist, protect and find solutions for refugee children. We work with national and international stakeholders to help these children regain their childhood and develop their potential. In view of the particular risks they are exposed to, we place special focus on unaccompanied and separated children. In Serbia, UNHCR has been working together with the civil society, to help the authorities strengthen the child protection system since the 90s. We have stepped up our activities in this respect with the increased arrivals of unaccompanied children in 2015 and to date. Also, our partners like IDEAS are particularly focused on this vulnerable group. In close cooperation with and thanks to the efforts that the relevant national authorities invested, certain aspects of child protection notably guardianship and implementation of the best interest of the child concept, have been mainstreamed. As a result, some of the unaccompanied children decided to stay in Serbia. The children tell us that they feel protected and have found a new home here. They also say that the guardians have become their new parents. UNHCR will continue to support the Ministry and the professionals to respond to the needs of asylum seeking and refugee children comprehensively, in line with their best interest. We will seek to jointly provide prospects for their integration and inclusion, as well as to develop their capacities and contribution to the Serbian society. UNHCR and its partners like IDEAS, seek to value the human capital present in each unaccompanied refugee child through identification and integration opportunities.
Refugee and migrant children may start or continue their education while in the country. Judging by their stories, they make new friends among the local population. Will these new younger generations safeguard human rights in Serbia and be more vocal in condemning xenophobia and showing themselves that diversity and tolerance are to be valued?
Refugee and migrant children have access to all levels of education in Serbia. This is provided for in the Constitution and the national law and Serbia was one of the first countries that started enrolling refugee and migrant children into schools back in early 2016. The line ministry developed special Instructions for inclusion of refugee children into regular education and as a result, we have seen refugee and migrant children in classes shoulder to shoulder with the Serbian children. Most of them are of primary school age, and thus in primary schools, with a certain number also attending secondary education. This year, we would like to see refugees also starting to enroll into tertiary education. UNHCR Serbia recently organised an online event with secondary school children and refugees where they discussed human rights, the plight of refugees, diversity, need to understand one another and various aspects of integration. Refugee children shared their stories and I was very heartened to see that youth seems not to want to make any compromise with respect to refugees’ rights and protection. This gives me hope that they will be the drivers of positive changes in the society.
What are your plans for the year in which you are marking the 45th anniversary of UNHCR presence in Serbia?
While we will be marking 45 years of opening the office in Belgrade, we remain committed to continuing to support the authorities and the civil society in several areas: further advancement of the asylum system, expanding opportunities for integration of the few persons accorded international protection with special focus on unaccompanied children, support to completion of the Regional Housing Programme for the most vulnerable refugees from the 90s, continued promotion of the rights of IDPs and finding solutions for them, helping the authorities resolve the remaining problems of persons at risk of statelessness and preventing re-emergence of the risk. To implement these, we count on the strong cooperation with the Serbian authorities, the civil sector, our generous donors and the refugee communities themselves.
I am very worried about the current developments related to the rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia. As Serbia has a lot of experience with reception of people fleeing war, and in view of the welcome its citizens extended to the refugees from the Middle East since the start of the 2015 refugee crisis, we have been surprised and concerned with the increase of negative rhetoric on social networks and in some media. Giving a human face to the figures, explaining the reasons for flight of refugees, writing about their capacities and knowledge, the contribution to the society they may make, could greatly help in dispelling the misconceptions, says UNHCR Representative in Serbia Francesca Bonelli.
UNHCR marked its 70th anniversary in 2020, though its mandate was initially set to three years to find solutions for WW2 refugees. What is the current situation in terms of numbers? Which countries are the most affected by refugee crises?
Indeed, the initial plan was that UNHCR would cease to exist after three years. As the new conflicts erupted on all the continents, UNHCR was asked to assist and protect millions of forcibly displaced people around the world. Regretfully, ever since their number has been increasing by year. We start 2021 with global unprecedented 79.5 million forcibly displaced people of whom 29.6 m are refugees and 45.7 m IDPs. The conflicts continue raging despite UN SG appeal for a ceasefire during the pandemic. UNHCR notes with concern that new conflicts are emerging while the old ones have not been resolved: the civil war in Syria is entering its 10th year; the violence in Afghanistan continues for the 4th decade; the list is long and disgraceful for humankind. 67% of all refugees come from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar. These are amongst the most urgent displacement situations that UNHCR is heavily involved in.
Sadly, the wars around the world continued, each bringing specific challenges. However, today everyone including refugees face a completely new global challenge –Covid-19 pandemic. What are the challenges faced by UNHCR and what are the specific needs of refugees in order to minimise health risks?
COVID-19 has not stopped wars and consequently, the flight of the affected populations. However, a certain drop in the numbers is evident, mostly due to the national restrictions of movement: 90 countries in the world closed their borders completely, and some even returned refugees. Return of refugees to the territories where their lives would be in danger – refoulement – constitutes a violation of Art. 33 of the Refugee Convention. UNHCR is pleased and very grateful that Serbia kept its borders open, enabling access to asylum to those in need. The pandemic, now in its 12th month, has affected all of us. Still amongst the most severely impacted were the most vulnerable: refugees, other forcibly displaced within their own countries, the stateless and the marginalized. Globally, UNHCR mounted the COVID-19 response-related activities in late March 2020. Given that 80% of all forcibly displaced are hosted in low-income countries, the Agency stepped up health, water, sanitation and hygiene services for them. At the same time, we continue working with the governments to ensure that these groups are included in COVID-19 response plans. Around the world, we have procured or delivered more than 25 million various protective items. We have also intensified disbursement of the virus-related cash assistance which has reached USD 50 million. UNHCR is very pleased and grateful that Serbia has included refugees and asylum-seekers into its national vaccination plan.
In the COVID-19 induced circumstances, the media reported about huge numbers of refugees in Serbia comparing the situation to the ”invasion”. How many refugees and migrants had been accommodated in the reception and asylum centres in Serbia in 2020? What is the current situation in the centers and what is your estimate about the number of refugees/migrants sleeping rough?
UNHCR is deeply concerned about the speech on refugees/ migrants “invading” Serbia. Looking at the reliable data from the relevant Government institutions, our own and those of our partners, we reiterate that this is completely unfounded. Compared to the situation in the previous years, the number of new arrivals kept declining throughout 2020. The number of refugees and migrants in the country varied between 7,000 and 10,000 in any given month of last year. At the same time, we witnessed attempts to exit the country, as the vast majority continues to perceive Serbia as a transit country. Currently, 6,400 refugees and migrants are accommodated in the 19 asylum and reception/transit centers around the country, while approximately 1,100 refuse to enter the system and remain outside them.
We are witnessing a rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia, antimigrant rhetoric that different political stakeholders have been resorting to. The members of extreme nationalistic movements are patrolling the streets of Serbian cities in search of refugees and migrants. Are you worried by these developments and how best to counter xenophobia?
I am very worried about the current developments related to the rise of xenophobic sentiment in Serbia. As Serbia has a lot of experience with reception of people fleeing war, and in view of the welcome its citizens extended to the refugees from the Middle East since the start of the 2015 refugee crisis, we have been surprised and concerned with the increase of negative rhetoric on social networks and in some media. People are usually frightened by the things they do not know or understand. Giving a human face to the figures, explaining the reasons for flight of refugees, writing about their capacities and knowledge, the contribution to the society they may make, could greatly help in dispelling the misconceptions. And this is where I see the crucial role of professional journalists and professional media – to help us make sure that facts and the real picture are presented to the public. Thus, the citizens will be able to take a stand based on the facts and not on the fake news. Let us keep in mind that only a small number of these people decided to stay in Serbia and received international protection here – in 2020 only 144 persons applied for asylum and 29 received international protection. And also that UNHCR and other international organisations, CSOs and the national authorities have been working together to provide services and aid to the refugees to ensure the citizens do not feel deprived or unable to access them.
Children, unaccompanied children in particular, are an especially vulnerable group. What are the activities of UNHCR focused on them, particularly in the context of improved integration as a prerequisite for quality life in the new environment?
Protection of refugee and asylum-seeking children lies at the heart of UNHCR mandate. Last year, children constituted 40% of the forcibly displaced population in the world i.e. between 30 and 34 million. Globally, UNHCR works with governments and local organizations to assist, protect and find solutions for refugee children. We work with national and international stakeholders to help these children regain their childhood and develop their potential. In view of the particular risks they are exposed to, we place special focus on unaccompanied and separated children. In Serbia, UNHCR has been working together with the civil society, to help the authorities strengthen the child protection system since the 90s. We have stepped up our activities in this respect with the increased arrivals of unaccompanied children in 2015 and to date. Also, our partners like IDEAS are particularly focused on this vulnerable group. In close cooperation with and thanks to the efforts that the relevant national authorities invested, certain aspects of child protection notably guardianship and implementation of the best interest of the child concept, have been mainstreamed. As a result, some of the unaccompanied children decided to stay in Serbia. The children tell us that they feel protected and have found a new home here. They also say that the guardians have become their new parents. UNHCR will continue to support the Ministry and the professionals to respond to the needs of asylum seeking and refugee children comprehensively, in line with their best interest. We will seek to jointly provide prospects for their integration and inclusion, as well as to develop their capacities and contribution to the Serbian society. UNHCR and its partners like IDEAS, seek to value the human capital present in each unaccompanied refugee child through identification and integration opportunities.
Refugee and migrant children may start or continue their education while in the country. Judging by their stories, they make new friends among the local population. Will these new younger generations safeguard human rights in Serbia and be more vocal in condemning xenophobia and showing themselves that diversity and tolerance are to be valued?
Refugee and migrant children have access to all levels of education in Serbia. This is provided for in the Constitution and the national law and Serbia was one of the first countries that started enrolling refugee and migrant children into schools back in early 2016. The line ministry developed special Instructions for inclusion of refugee children into regular education and as a result, we have seen refugee and migrant children in classes shoulder to shoulder with the Serbian children. Most of them are of primary school age, and thus in primary schools, with a certain number also attending secondary education. This year, we would like to see refugees also starting to enroll into tertiary education. UNHCR Serbia recently organised an online event with secondary school children and refugees where they discussed human rights, the plight of refugees, diversity, need to understand one another and various aspects of integration. Refugee children shared their stories and I was very heartened to see that youth seems not to want to make any compromise with respect to refugees’ rights and protection. This gives me hope that they will be the drivers of positive changes in the society.
What are your plans for the year in which you are marking the 45th anniversary of UNHCR presence in Serbia?
While we will be marking 45 years of opening the office in Belgrade, we remain committed to continuing to support the authorities and the civil society in several areas: further advancement of the asylum system, expanding opportunities for integration of the few persons accorded international protection with special focus on unaccompanied children, support to completion of the Regional Housing Programme for the most vulnerable refugees from the 90s, continued promotion of the rights of IDPs and finding solutions for them, helping the authorities resolve the remaining problems of persons at risk of statelessness and preventing re-emergence of the risk. To implement these, we count on the strong cooperation with the Serbian authorities, the civil sector, our generous donors and the refugee communities themselves.