MIGRANT CRISIS Lipa camp opened, capacity for 1,500 people

(Patria) - The multi-month construction of the Migrant Settlement at the Lipa site has finally been completed, and the official opening of this reception center, thirty kilometers from Bihać, is attended by representatives of the Ministry of Security of BiH, cantonal and city authorities, as well as all international organizations involved in the migration process.

Slobodan Ujić, director of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs, addressed the attendees, stating that the camp meets European criteria and provides full protection to migrants,

"We are fully prepared to welcome winter. Gratitude to the EU, without whom BiH would not be able to provide conditions for migrants," he added.

He states that many have provided support.

"We all remember the crisis, and today we can be proud of the results of the past year. The number in all accommodation capacities is around 2,500. Last year, we had about 12,000 illegal migrants. Thanks to USK (Una-Sana Canton) which bore the greatest burden in all of this, and to the citizens who were patient, sometimes to their own detriment.

Lipa is also a symbol of a state that has taken matters into its own hands; this was a turning point. This is the first reception center fully managed by the Service for Foreigners' Affairs," said Ujić.

Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation to BiH, said that they were at this location 11 months ago, but in very difficult conditions.

"A humanitarian crisis threatened hundreds of migrants, a disaster was imminent. Today we are here, in the middle of the Lipa migrant camp. This is the result of effective cooperation between the Ministry of Security, local authorities, and the EU, and it is proof that cooperation produces results. This is a good indicator that the crisis is being resolved through dialogue. And not to congratulate ourselves, there are still many challenges to face, but this is a success story, a success story for BiH," he emphasized and added:

"Yesterday I also spoke with Minister Lukač in Banja Luka, because everyone must be prepared to take on responsibilities in this area."

Šuhret Fazlić, Mayor of Bihać, said: "Perhaps it is not diplomatic, but I wish I had never seen you here. This is something that we in the City of Bihać never expected.

He adds that one of his stents, recently implanted, is from this Lipa.

"But this is indeed a ceremonial event. Two years ago, this was an ordinary meadow, and now it is a city. The migrants will leave someday, but this will remain for us. I am glad that my city was part of the solution, actively participated in everything, I thank them, and all your predecessors," said Fazlić.

Minister of Security Selmo Cikotić believes that this moment and this place contain elements of symbolism.

"By opening Lipa, we can say that the time of the migrant crisis is behind us, rather than talking about the migrant situation. I think today we can say that state institutions are fully in control of the migrant situation, whereas until recently, international organizations were doing so.

He points out that this is a triumph of cooperation and compromise.

"The time of misunderstandings is behind us. Thanks to those who worked constantly in the field in all weather conditions to get this sophisticated camp. We will continue to make the Balkan route as difficult as possible for migrants. We are aware that we cannot stop them all," added Cikotić.

It is known from before that this center will have a capacity for about 1,500 people, and that it should significantly reduce the pressure of a large number of migrants and refugees on the city center, i.e., public areas and abandoned buildings in the narrower center of Bihać.

A special area in this container settlement is provided for vulnerable categories of users, i.e., families with children and unaccompanied minors, N1 reports.

The camp will be managed by members of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs of BiH, of course in cooperation with members of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other international organizations.