EU allocates 13.5 million euros in support to BiH for independently managing migration
Sarajevo, (Fena) – The European Union has allocated 13.5 million euros to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the purpose of strengthening the response to issues of irregular migration and the fight against organized crime. This assistance seeks to strengthen the capacities of state authorities in order to take a leading role in migration management, align measures with EU standards, strengthen social cohesion, and will be implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR and UNICEF.
– Today is International Migrants Day, and this initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s response to migration, with its own resources and with respect for rights. By strengthening institutional capacities, the authorities will be able to better coordinate and manage migration flows, protect the interests of communities and ensure a contribution to the stability of society. This support also helps Bosnia and Herzegovina to be aligned with European standards in the field of migration management, which is of key importance on the path to joining the EU – said the Head of the EU Delegation in Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca.
Key state actors, including the Ministry of Security, the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, will receive targeted support to take full responsibility in the field of migration management.
Strategic investments will strengthen the management and oversight of temporary reception centers, align border management practices with EU standards and ensure that assistance and the registration process respect human rights and the necessary protection.
The EU’s financial support will also strengthen the capacities of BiH institutions for the coordination and provision of key humanitarian services throughout the entire territory of the country, such as the provision of food, non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene needs, as well as health care for migrants.
The support is expanding to include public health authorities at the cantonal level, thereby ensuring that people on the move have access to timely and adequate health care.
The initiative also supports local communities and civil society organizations, thereby strengthening social cohesion. Grants and technical assistance will help to strengthen cooperation and trust at the local level, and call for building positive relations between host communities and migrants.
– Finally, the EU-funded project “Individual Measures to Strengthen the System of Management of Irregular Migration and the Fight Against Organized Crime” aims to enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to fully own the migration management system, while at the same time promoting stability, protection and integration, all in line with EU values and international standards – they said.
To date, the EU has supported accommodation and existential assistance for more than 200,000 migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in BiH, demonstrating the EU’s lasting commitment to partnership and stability. (18.12.)
