FROM THE COLLECTIVE CENTRE INTO THE NEW APARTMENTS

Kraljevo, 08 November 2012 - The collective centre in Kraljevo is finally closed, its residents having moved into the new, EU-funded, apartments in Boračko naselje. Today, they hosted the EU Delegation Ambassador, Serbian Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR representative and recounted their first impressions about life in their new homes.

The building for Social Housing in Supportive Environment, consisting of 20 housing units, was constructed as part of the project "Supporting access to rights, employment and livelihood enhancement of refugees and IDPs in Serbia" funded from the European pre-accession funds and realised in cooperation with the Commissioner for Refugees of the Republic of Serbia and UNHCR. The beneficiaries of the first building of this kind in the municipality of Kraljevo are 13 IDP, three refugee and four domicile families. This building represents the last step in the closure of the collective centre Mataruška Banja which has been a home for the displaced populations since 1992.

The total value of the construction works and equipment funded by the EU is EUR 300,000. The municipality of Kraljevo donated the land and infrastructure and the project was implemented in cooperation with the NGO Vizija, UNHCR's long standing implementing partner.

Ending the visit, Ambassador Degert noted "Today we come one step closer to our common goal with the Commissariat for Refugees which is to close all the remaining collective centres in Serbia, and give all refugees and internally displaced people a chance for a better life. It is the most gratifying experience to be able to talk to these people today and see how much their lives have improved through our assistance."

Commissioner Cucić added "We are very grateful for the continued support of the EU in solving the housing and other needs of refugees and IDPs. The EU represents the most significant partner of the Government of the Republic of Serbia not only in our efforts to provide for the needs of war affected persons, but also in the exercise of their rights. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Commissariat for Refugees, the EU and UNHCR, we have succeeded in closing more than 20 collective centres on the territory of the city of Kraljevo. We are proud to say that the last of the remaining collective centres is due to close in the coming year. In particular, I wish to tell all those who moved into their new apartments that we hope this represents a new beginning towards a brighter and a more prosperous future."

UNHCR Representative stressed that Kraljevo is yet another example of the successful joint cooperation of the Serbian Government, local authorities, the EU and the refugee agency which will continue until all the vulnerable refugees have been secured a home for.

The concept of Social Housing in Supportive Environment, first introduced by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in 2002 and included in the Strategy for Development and Social Protection of the Republic of Serbia, has been assessed as the best and most needed solution for the remaining residents of collective centres. It provides housing for the most vulnerable groups in need of additional support from the local centres for social welfare. To date, SHSE concept has been implemented in 38 municipalities throughout Serbia where more than 900 units were built. Construction of 471 of these units was funded by the European Union.

The beneficiaries of apartments in the Milunke Savić street in Kraljevo will hold the right to use the flats as long as they are in a situation of social need. One of the beneficiaries is a host family who will act as a link between the residents and the Centre for Social Welfare in Kraljevo providing them with necessary additional support.

Serbia currently hosts about 66,000 refugees and 210,000 internally displaced persons from Kosovo. Nearly 3000 of them still live in 36 collective centres. The municipality of Kraljevo currently hosts 576 refugees and 20,551 internally displaced persons.