During her visit to the Western Balkans, Anne Richard, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States in charge of Population, Refugees and Migration, has visited Serbia. On this occasion, Mrs. Richard, accompanied by Michael Kirby, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Vladimir Cucić, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration and Belgrade Mayor Dragan Djilas, visited the internally displaced persons from Kosovo, living in collective center "Barake Gradjevinar" in Kaluđerica.

After meeting with internally displaced families Kažić and Djordjevic, Assistant Secretary of State has promised that U.S. will continue its support in dealing with the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons.

 

Vladimir Cucić, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, thanked the United States for financial and support in the resolution of property issues and issues of peaceful enjoyment of the rights of refugees and displaced persons.

Collective center in Kaluđerica is one of the remaining two centers in Belgrade, which houses 112 people. Thanks to the many programs that follow the closing of collective centers, through the provision of adequate housing solutions to tenants, this collective center will be closed until the end of August.

After a visit to the collective center Ms. Richard also met with Dr. Jovan Krkobabić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labour and Social Affairs. During the meeting, Dr. Krkobabić reiterated that Serbia is highly committed to solving the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons. These problems can not be solved without the support of the international community, especially the United States, which continiously help with its authority and power resolve this protracted refugee crisis.
Regional stability and convergence with the EU will broaden the scope and prospects for resolving the issue. Dr. Krkobabic expects the U.S. to assist in resolving the problem of internally displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohija.
“We owe it to these people and help them find a solution to return to their homes. Of course, where this is possible,” he said.

 

Ms. Richard praised Krkobabic`s absolute commitment to solving the problems of refugees and internally displaced persons and the persistent search for durable solutions.

Assistant Secretary of State of the United States agreed that it is necessary to assist internally displaced persons from Kosovo, explaining that her visit has an aim and that is how to help, especially poorest categories of refugees in Serbia.