• UNICEF, in cooperation with Save the Children and World Vision, established Child Friendly Spaces in the Refugee Reception Centre and in Bihać. Over 240 children benefit from services and activities.
  
• ECHO pledged EUR 1.5 million for the most urgent needs of refugees and migrants in BiH. Further funding is under discussion with the EU – DG Near, the council of Europe Development Bank, and the Czech Government.

On 15 May, the BiH Council of Ministers discussed and adopted the Emergency Measures Action Plan to address needs vis-à-vis the current refugee and migrant situation at their 142nd session.

The BiH Authorities opened the Refugee Reception Centre in Salakovac for 269 asylum seekers on 18 May. The UN is a key partner working closely with MHRR and MoS.

Despite the high proportion of arrivals expressing intention to seek asylum, the number of asylum application interviews offered and conducted by the Sector for Asylum fell in May.

KEY INDICATORS

Executive summary

Between March and April 2018, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in cooperation with various international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), conducted a Multi-cluster/sector Initial Rapid Assessment (MIRA) to gather information on the current migrant and refugee situation, identify needs and gaps and inform the planning and coordination of the immediate UN response. Below are outlined the key findings of the MIRA assessment and recommendations for further action.

Key findings

KEY FIGURES FOR 2018

2.762 (1 Jan – 30 April) detected arrivals

53(2 girls, 51 boys) unaccompanied minors identified

UN agencies assisted 1.392 people with transport, food, NFIs and psychosocial counselling

384(46 f, 338 m) Asylum applications

1.151 (109 f, 1.042 m) people assisted at the UNHCR Information Center

UN agencies provided 1.104 people with legal counselling

PRIORITIES

▪ Continue advocating with BiH authorities to urgently open accommodation facilities.

KEY FIGURES FOR 2018

1,138 (1 Jan – 31 March) detected arrivals to BiH

21(0 girls, 21 boys) unaccompanied minors identified

624 people assisted with transport, food, NFI and psychosocial counselling

253(32 females, 221 males) Asylum applications

521 people assisted at the UNHCR Information Center

640 people provided with legal counselling

PRIORITIES

• Continue supporting BiH authorities at all levels respond to existing and emerging needs.