Safe passage and protection urged for all refugees

Safe passage and protection urged for all refugees

"We believe that this has to be a priority for all aid carriers for this population in our country. In the recent period, especially in the course of last summer when the refugee crisis reached its peak, we witnessed exceptional efforts being made on the part of state institutions, but also civil sector, domestic and international organizations, specialized for working with the newcomers transiting from the Middle East, from Africa and Asia, towards Europe," the statement said, adding:

"We share the opinion that great results were accomplished that contributed to positive image of Serbia as a country that maintained its human values when those were in need in many other places, even in our immediate environment. Positive experiences of around one million refugees witness this, who have crossed Serbia on their way to Europe for the last twelve month period."

"Feeling satisfied with the accomplished goals, we are confident that there is room for making more efficient results. Primarily, this refers to combating human trafficking that still plays major role in transiting Serbia. We also hope that we will establish better cooperation between state and civil sector in the

forthcoming period, while non-governmental organizations will be strongly recognized as an important factor and partner without whose engagement the picture pertaining to the efforts made in protecting the refugee population would look altogether different, which, as such, are entitled to equal dialogue," the two foundations said.

Marking nine months since the project Info Park was launched in Belgrade, Presevo and Dimitrovgrad, they also thanked all who helped the work of this unique project, which developed from the Center for Information to a place of first aid in all the aspects that affect refugee population, expressing their gratitude above all to the Belgrade City Assembly and the Municipality of Savski Venac, as well as to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, as well as all donors that helped during this time.

"In the forthcoming period, apart from offering information, securing internet connection, offering free of charge transport to the asylum centers, directing refugees to the specialized agencies for medical, psycho-social aid, food and humanitarian aid distribution, Info Park will launch integration activities via educational courses designed for the youngest refugees, thus enhancing the activities on protecting the most threatened part of this population – women and children," the statement concluded.