On the 8th of June 2010, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Social Policy and Social Services Dr. Jovan Krkobabić in the presence of representatives of the international community, ceremonially presented to the majors and municipal representatives of 60 Serbian municipalities/cities certificates officiating the payment of financial assistance intended for the process of integrating refugees, as well as for the improvement of living conditions of internally displaced persons.

Attending the ceremonial presentation of the certificates were representatives from the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Serbia, UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration, the OSCE, the Commissariat for Refugees, as well as representatives of the relevant institutions of the Republic of Serbia and Vojvodina.

Committed funds in the amount of 1.3 million euros, allocated from the budget of the Republic of Serbia, will provision for the acquisition of 310 packages of building materials intended for assisting the completion of already commenced renovations and adaptations of inadequate housing facilities, as well as provide some 165 grants aimed at the economic empowerment of refugees and internally displaced persons.

These funds represent the fourth instalment of financial assistance allocated to support those municipalities and cities that are actively involved in solving the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons on their territory.  The Commissariat for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia has in the past year and a half set aside funds amounting to 2.2 million euros, in an effort to provide for the acquisition of 610 packages of construction materials and facilitate the donation of 330 grants for income generation activities.  The aforementioned funds have supported refugees and internally displaced persons from the territories of 92 municipalities/cities in the Republic of Serbia.

”The Republic of Serbia is deeply committed to providing dignified living conditions for the most vulnerable refugees and internally displaced persons,” said Dr. Krkobabić, adding that the Republic of Serbia will, using all available means, continue to support the efforts of local governments in the processes of integration of refugees and the improvement of living conditions of internally displaced persons.

“In 2007, the Commissariat for Refugees, in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration commenced with activities for the development and adoption of local action plans. Activities relating to the preparation of local action plans were financially backed by the EU Delegation in Serbia, UNHCR and the OSCE, resulting in the completion of training of representatives from some 126 municipalities/cities in the development of local action plans, the adoption of local action plans in 84 municipalities/cities, the formation of the Council for Migration and Durable Solutions within 120 local government units, as well as the distribution of budgetary resources within 80% of municipalities and cities.” stated Dr.  Krkobabić.

“All municipalities and cities today being presented with resources have set aside 10%of the value of these resources from their local budgets, indicating the level of positive cooperation existing between the institutions of the Republic of Serbia and local governments as well as demonstrating the willingness of all relevant parties to bring to an end the prolonged refugee and IDP situation.” the Deputy Prime Minister said. 

The Commissioner for Refugees expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the international community and local governments stating that the Commissariat for Refugees is continuing with the implementation of two projects being financed by the European Union to the tune of 13.7 million euros, has commenced with the implementation of the Project, “Support to the Commissariat for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia aimed at refugees and internally displaced persons by providing support to local action plans,” financed on behalf of UNHCR in the amount of 80,000,000.00  dinars, and added that the activities of the Commissariat for Refugees in 2010 will be directed towards the closure of a further 10 out of the remaining 60 collective centres and the resolution of the refugee situation in 50 municipalities / cities in the Republic of Serbia.