By the end of April 2009, representatives of the Asylum Center took part in a three-day tour of the South Serbia border crossings, organized by UNHCR in coordination with the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia. The aim was to encourage all parties to play a constructive role in the process of further cooperation, to harmonize their different attitudes and find new solutions, all in relation with the border control, and proper acting of police officers towards potential asylum seekers in our country.
Due to the fact that a great number of illegal migrants and asylum seekers cross the Serbia-Macedonia border and the administrative border with Kosovo and Metohia not only legally but illegally as well, better control of this border, registration of mentioned persons and implementation of certain procedures prescribed by the Law are necessary. During these three days, visits were paid to the Police Administration in Vranje, boarder crossing in Presevo and to the Regional Coordination Center. The Boarder Police officers informed the guests about the current situation, their problems and potential needs. The stress was laid on asylum seekers coming from Afghanistan, who cross our country’s border in many ways going from Greece via Macedonia. Also, discussions were led with the justice administration representatives, first of all magistrate judges in Presevo and Leskovac, focused on court proceedings and treatment of asylum seekers respecting 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees as well as positive law of our Republic. Despite different opinions and attitudes, the visits were fruitful, for some common ground was found concerning treatment of future asylum seekers and maximal respect of their human rights.
Due to the fact that a great number of illegal migrants and asylum seekers cross the Serbia-Macedonia border and the administrative border with Kosovo and Metohia not only legally but illegally as well, better control of this border, registration of mentioned persons and implementation of certain procedures prescribed by the Law are necessary. During these three days, visits were paid to the Police Administration in Vranje, boarder crossing in Presevo and to the Regional Coordination Center. The Boarder Police officers informed the guests about the current situation, their problems and potential needs. The stress was laid on asylum seekers coming from Afghanistan, who cross our country’s border in many ways going from Greece via Macedonia. Also, discussions were led with the justice administration representatives, first of all magistrate judges in Presevo and Leskovac, focused on court proceedings and treatment of asylum seekers respecting 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees as well as positive law of our Republic. Despite different opinions and attitudes, the visits were fruitful, for some common ground was found concerning treatment of future asylum seekers and maximal respect of their human rights.
Asylum Protection Center
