Sharp reactions from the EU Delegation in BiH regarding events with migrants in Krajina

SARAJevo, (Patria) - The EU Delegation in BiH has commented on the closure of the "Lipa" camp, noting that this has left about 3,000 refugees and migrants without access to basic shelter and services in winter conditions.

They also emphasize that Lipa was a facility established as a temporary measure, unsuitable for winter.

The EU Delegation states that all prerequisites exist for relocating refugees and migrants from "Lipa" to the "Bira" reception center in Bihać. The prerequisites are determined by the decisions of the Council of Ministers of BiH on the location of "Lipa", the "Bira" reception center, the national Plan of measures and activities, and the provisions of the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Asylum.

"Unfortunately, the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have failed to implement the relocation to 'Bira', which was previously emptied and remains unused despite continuous funding from the European Union. The failure of the authorities of the Una-Sana Canton to act raises questions in the context of the rule of law and directly contributes to the humanitarian and security crisis," warn the EU Delegation.

The EU once again calls on the authorities to overcome political issues and reopen the "Bira" center in Bihać as a temporary solution. They call on the authorities to ensure sufficient capacity for the accommodation of refugees and migrants during the winter period.

"The European Union has repeatedly expressed concern about the migration situation and the emergence of a humanitarian crisis in the country. Support has been provided to all relevant authorities in finding, defining, and negotiating possible solutions. The European Union has further provided significant financial and technical support to Bosnia and Herzegovina for better management of migration and asylum, as well as assistance to citizens in dealing with this challenging situation. Recently, the European Commission adopted an aid package of an additional 25 million euros to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in managing migration. The European Union and its partners continue to assist and alleviate the conditions in which refugees and migrants are staying outside of accommodation facilities," the statement from the EU Delegation in BiH reads.