According to the UN, up to 4,000 refugees and migrants are currently present in Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which around 2,200 are accommodated in the 5 EU-funded reception centres located in the Sarajevo and Una Sana Cantons.

The poor living conditions and a permanent state of insecurity are putting a heavy strain on the mental health of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Given the persisting humanitarian needs, emergency humanitarian assistance remains of the essence.

Since the beginning of 2018, more than 84,120 refugees and migrants arrived to Bosnia and Herzegovina via the Western Balkans route.

At least 1,100 refugees and migrants continue to live in inadequate conditions, without access to basic services, including unaccompanied children and families. They are exposed to increasingly cold temperatures as winter is approaching, as well as numerous protection risks.

Many refugees and migrants sleep in abandoned buildings or makeshift tents, with limited or no access to safe and dignified shelter, food, water, sanitation, electricity and heating.

The poor sanitary conditions increase the exposure to various diseases, and impacts their ability to protect themselves against COVID-19. Due to the hardships of being on the move and the difficult living conditions, the need for first aid and primary health care has been constantly increasing.

Although some progress was made, they need more sustainable and appropriate shelter solutions. The EU continues to call on the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to (i) ensure suitable accommodation facilities, especially for those with specific vulnerabilities and needs, and (ii) fully respect the fundamental rights of all refugees and migrants.

Since the beginning of the influx of refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the EU has been working closely with UN agencies, other humanitarian organisations, and the Bosnian authorities to meet the humanitarian needs of refugees and migrants.

Since early 2018, the EU has provided a total of €101.85 million directly to Bosnia and Herzegovina and through implementing partners. This funding addresses the immediate and mid-term needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, notably the provision of adequate shelter, and supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening its migration management capacities.

The European Union’s support includes €16 million in humanitarian aid, implemented by international humanitarian organisations, to cover the most urgent needs of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. The EU has sent technical experts to assess the humanitarian needs on the ground and continues to provide emergency assistance, including warm clothing, sleeping bags and food.

Access to healthcare– including COVID-19 testing and treatment – remains a priority. Mental health and psychosocial support are provided as part of a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery. EU humanitarian funding also provides specialised protection services for vulnerable individuals or groups at risk, such as identification and referrals, case management, and support to unaccompanied minors.

_{Last updated: 03/12/2021
Picture: European Union, 2021}

Around 4,000 refugees and migrants are stranded in Bosnia and Herzegovina _(IOM)

EU humanitarian funding:
€16 million since 2018