Switzerland - The Western Balkans migratory route may largely be closed, but the number of migrants stranded in Serbia continues to climb. Latest figures show 7,500 migrants are stuck in the country, unable to reach the European Union (EU).

Now atrocious winter weather spreading across Central Europe is adding to their plight. The Serbian government has provided reception centers where IOM is working together with government officials. Over the past three months, four such centres have been established – the most recent in Divljana, near the southern city of Nis.

In total, close to 6,000 migrants are currently accommodated in five asylum centers and 11 reception/transit centers. IOM teams are on hand daily, supporting the government in managing the centres, as well as providing transport and much needed information to migrants.

Peter Van der Auweraert, IOM’s Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Western Balkans, noted: “Serbia deserves a lot of credit for how it has responded to this crisis, with precious little international financial support.”

The new 150-bed facility in Divljana is in a solid, permanent building, much like other centers across the country. They all have adequate heating and other facilities to protect the migrants from the worst of winter and accommodate them until a solution to their situation is found.

News reports in recent days have focused on a group of up to 1,500 migrants living in deplorable conditions in an abandoned warehouse in the center of Belgrade. Despite daily attempts by local authorities, IOM, UNHCR and others to persuade them to move to better accommodation, few have chosen to relocate.

Some activists are advising the migrants to stay put and thus draw attention to their situation, saying that leaving would quash their chances of being accepted into the EU. Van der Auweraert disagrees.

“This is clearly not in the migrants’ best interest, especially now that weather conditions have taken a turn for the worst. The reality is that most of the migrants living in the freezing cold in Belgrade will never manage to enter the EU and even if they do, very few, if any, will obtain a permission to stay,” he said.

“It is critical that other humane solutions are promoted, including voluntary return to countries of origin for those who are not in need of international protection and can return. In the meantime they should be advised of all of their options, including moving to shelters that offer protection – perhaps life-saving protection – from this atrocious weather,” he added.

IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return teams visit migrants in official accommodation to inform them of how they can return home, if that is what they choose. In 2016, between March and December, 101 migrants not in need of international protection volunteered to return to their countries of origin and received assistance from IOM.

For further information please contact Peter Van der Auweraert at IOM HQ, Tel: +41798336424, Email: pvanderauweraert@iom.int