Delegation of the Republic of Serbia, headed by Dr Jovan Krkobabić , Deputy Prime Minister, is attending the 62nd session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva.  According the number of internally displaced persons, Serbia is the leading country in Europe and one of the top five countries of the world with prolonged refugee situation.

Addressing representatives of over a hundred countries around the world, in the morning part of the session, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need for further support of the international community in solving existential problems of refugees and internally displaced persons as well as an additional commitment in establishing an effective legal mechanism for the rights of refugees.

- There should not be obstacles in exercising their rights, whether these persons opt for return to the country of their origin or for integration in the country of displacement – said Krkobabić.

During his speech, Deputy Prime Minister pointed out the commitment to the regional cooperation and joint efforts, which are supported by international community, with the aim of finding solutions to the prolonged refugee status.

- It is my great pleasure to inform you that ministerial conference, as ratification of our commitment to the regional process, will take place on the 7th of November 2011 in Belgrade – said Krkobabić and added that after the preparatory ministerial conference takes place, donor conference with the aim of providing funds for implementation of Regional Project will take place at the beginning of next year.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia stressed that through the implementation of the Regional Project, housing solutions for some 16,780 vulnerable refugee households – approximatelz 45,000 individuals, will be provided in the Republic of Serbia alone.

Speaking at UN headquarters in Geneva, Krkobabic emphasized the great needs of over 210,000 internally displaced and expelled persons from Kosovo and Metohija, which were not included in the regional project.

- After more than 12 years of presence and management of international organizations at Kosovo, internally displaced persons still do not have access to their property and rights which are precondition for sustainable return. Unfortunately, the latest developments in Kosovo do not leave room for optimism. In this regard, presence of UNHCR and programmed assistance for this group at their place of origin is of great importance for finding durable solutions. This is the reason we hope UNHCR will continue to provide their support as it was the case over the past years – explained Krkobabić.

It is expected that, during his stay at Geneva,Dr Jovan Krkobabić,  Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, should meet with Mr. Antonio Guterres,  UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Ambassador David Robinson, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, US Department of State.