Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

The Republic of Serbia ratified numerous international instruments that prescribe the obligation for it to provide asylum to foreigners leaving their countries of origin due to the founded fear from persecution on the grounds of their race, religion, ethnic affiliation, membership of a social group or political opinions as well as the countries of origin where human rights are violated or where they are threatened by death penalty, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

As a result of the Screening Report for Chapter 24 (Freedom, justice and security), the European Commission stressed that Serbia must ensure access to the asylum procedure to all the asylum seekers irrespective of whether there is sufficient space in the asylum centres, to build the capacities of the competent institutions, improve cooperation between them and ensure the implementation of the Law, in order to align its legislation with the EU acquis communautaire. Anticipating that Serbia will soon become a country of destination of asylum seekers, Serbia must build accommodation facilities for asylum seekers with adequate conditions, especially with respect to unaccompanied minor asylum seekers or other vulnerable groups.

An integrated data base on identity of asylum seekers must be established, and the staff of the Ministry of Interior must be trained to work with it. The judges of the Constitutional Court in charge of revisions of final decisions in the asylum procedure need to acquire expertise in the area of refugee law. Also, the EU stressed that adequate plan of integration of foreigners enjoying international protection must be implemented. In order to solve all these issues, Serbia should adopt an action plan to encompass definition of milestones for aligning the Serbian legislation in the area of asylum with the European acquis and the mechanisms for monitoring the practical implementation of the Law.

Once Serbia accedes to the EU it will be able to access the EU funds for asylum, migrations and integration.

Source: www.euractiv.rs