On September 10, 2009, a meeting was held in the Zajcar Police Directorate headquarters attended by Asylum Office, UNHCR and APC representatives, as well as Mr Miomir Djordjevic (Head of the Illegal Migration Prevention Department of the Zajcar Police Directorate), and inspectors Mr. Sasa Zivic, Mr. Mirko Petrovic, and Mr. Vladimir Lakicevic (representative of the Bor Police Directorate). According to the host, who informed the attendees about the former, standard law enforcing practice in this part of Serbia, since the adoption of the new Asylum Law none of the migrants have sought asylum at the border crossing. Also, they emphasize the need for further education of the police officers concerning asylum matters. On the same day, a visit was paid to the Serbia-Bulgaria border crossing, Vrska Cuka, where the situation was found to be regular. Based on these visits, it can be concluded that the Border Police is familiar with the Asylum Law provisions and that they are well trained to act when the need arises, i.e. if they meet an asylum-seeking person.
Meetings with the magistrates from Kladovo, Negotin and Zajecar were also held with the aim of getting information about the judicial practice concerning asylum matters. The conclusion is that the number of illegal crossings of the border has been reduced in the last few years, i.e. the number of illegal immigrants has been decreasing as far as our border with the Republic of Romania and Bulgaria is concerned.
Although the control and safety of the state border are of prime interest, this should be done without detriment to basic human rights
Asylum Protection Center
