EU supports BiH in managing migration with 9.2 mln euros

Source: Xinhua| 2018-12-19 06:09:46|Editor: yan
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SARAJEVO, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has allocated more than 9.2 million euros (10.45 million U.S. dollars) in the past three months to aid Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) efforts in helping migrants and improving the country's border management capacities.

The money was used for reallocation of migrants from the place where they were exposed to inhumane conditions, to Miral camp in Velika Kladusa, a city located 365 kilometers northwest of the capital Sarajevo, Delegation of the EU to BiH website stated on Tuesday.

The aim was to ensure better and humane conditions for all migrants that are currently on the territory of BiH, EU says, adding that shelter and basic health care service have been secured for all migrants on the country's territory.

"In all reception centers in Una Sana Canton, three meals a day are provided to all camp residents," the Delegation of the EU to BiH website stated.

The EU allocated funds for the complete renovation of the former student dormitory located near Velika Kladusa, and at the same time, the money was allocated for purchase of beds and blankets for 2,000 migrants that live in the reception center nearby.

"The works to establish a safer and more adequate accommodation for the families with children and unaccompanied minors are complete. Local and English language lessons are being provided for every child. Such activities will continue in the future with the goal to make migrant children's lives richer," the Delegation of the EU to BiH website stated.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants passed through the so-called "Balkan route" in 2015, trying to reach Western Europe. BiH was then not part of that route. The increasing number of migrants was recorded from the end of 2017, and since January 2018, over 23,500 migrants and refugees arrived through Serbia and Montenegro, compared to a mere 755 in the whole of 2017.

Some 80 percent of migrants enter from the eastern border with Serbia, originating mainly from Pakistan, Syria and Iran.

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