Save the Children is escalating its response to the refugee crisis that is gripping Europe, with a particular emphasis on Serbia. The organisation estimates that over 25,000 children have arrived in Serbia during 2015 which includes 5,753 unaccompanied minors. Between July and August of this year, there has been a 66 per cent rise in the number of minors that arrived without a guardian. As many as one in four recently arrived children have been separated from their parents or families which leaves them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Hundreds of distressed children arriving every day
Andrea Zeravcic, director of Save the Children in North West Balkans says that every day hundreds of distressed children are arriving. Many of the children have become sick as a result of the desperate conditions of the journey. Mr. Zeravcic adds that people are growing increasingly scared about where to go next as a result of Hungary closing its borders. People are fleeing situations that consist of unimaginable suffering, risking their lives in the process. It is Europe’s responsibility to help not just those that have arrived on its borders, but the millions that have been left behind as well.
Serbia is a staging post on the way to Europe
So far this year over 135,000 refugees have arrived in Serbia on their way to other countries in Europe. Following the closure of the border in Hungary thousands of refugees have entered Croatia on their way to Slovenia and other countries in the EU. Croatia has now shut down seven of its eight border crossings with Serbia and it is now no longer clear what other routes refugees will take. It is now expected the number of refugees arriving in Serbia will rise as it becomes harder to cross into neighbouring EU countries.
Capacity is stretched thin
Despite the Serbian government’s best efforts the overwhelming number of refugees has stretched capacity and many are now taking shelter in reception centres that have become overcrowded and unsanitary. Save the Children employees report that in Serbia, many children are arriving after a long trip completely exhausted and in need of medical assistance, food and water.
“Currently, there are 920 beds in five asylum centres, plus an additional 26 in one temporary centre near the Macedonian border, and communal tents in Kanjiza for 800 – 1000 people, but it is simply not enough to cope with the unprecedented influx of people, particularly with the freezing cold temperatures and rains that winter brings here,” warns Mr. Zeravcic.
Safe spaces
Save the Children is establishing safe spaces for mothers with their babies as well as children. The organisation is also distributing food and water to refugees. The agency has also set up mobile child friendly spaces in two different Belgrade parks, where children can be treated for the trauma of their journey. Most of the refugees are fleeing the conflict in Syria where the fighting has forced over 12 million people to leave their homes. About 15 per cent of the refugees come from Afghanistan with five per cent coming from Iraq.
