In the first half of 2024 the global trend of rising forced displacement continued, reaching 120 million people forced to leave their homes due to armed conflict, political instability, persecution, and human-rights violations. The internal armed conflict in Sudan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, instability in Syria and Afghanistan, and the renewed conflict in Gaza are just some of the global factors contributing to this rise. These global developments inevitably affect the Republic of Serbia as well. As a country located on one of the main migration routes to the European Union, Serbia faces complex challenges in managing mixed migration and in providing protection to persons in need of international protection.
The report Respect, Protection and Fulfilment of the Human Rights of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the Republic of Serbia offers an overview of the current state of the asylum system in the Republic of Serbia for the period from 1 January to 30 June 2024. The report is the result of activities carried out by the Center for Research and Social Development IDEAS (IDEAS) within the project “Improving the Protection and Access to Rights of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Serbia,” in partnership with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the Republic of Serbia.
During the reporting period it was observed that the asylum system in the Republic of Serbia continued to face significant challenges that have been present since 2020. These challenges have not only remained unresolved but have deepened in certain respects. Problems in refugees’ and asylum seekers’ access to the territory and to the asylum procedure have become more pronounced, while the duration of the asylum procedure remains unacceptably long. The quality of credibility assessment in asylum applications shows inconsistencies and departures from previously established positive practice, further jeopardising the rights of applicants. Various forms of vulnerability are not sufficiently taken into account – whether in procedural safeguards within the asylum procedure, in special reception guarantees, or in support during integration.
Despite these challenges, it is important to note that certain positive developments were also observed at the legislative level in the areas of access to the labour market and the possibility of obtaining permanent residence for persons granted asylum. Also, in 2024 persons granted refuge finally began to exercise their right to travel documents, which represents a significant step forward in their integration and in the realisation of basic rights.
IDEAS extends its gratitude to all collaborators who contributed to this report. We hope its findings will encourage positive changes in the asylum system and in the protection of asylum seekers and refugees in the Republic of Serbia.
You can download the report in Serbian HERE.