Statement by Commissariat for Refugees and Migration

07.02.2020. STATEMENT

On the occasion of an attempt by a group of migrants to hold protests at the Kelebija Border Crossing towards the Republic of Hungary, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration issues a statement:

The Republic of Serbia takes a humane and responsible approach to solution to the problem of migration, while respecting all international treaties and conventions, as well as the human rights of all migrants located on the territory of our country. However, a number of migrants, deceived by some non-governmental organizations, tried to block the border crossing to the Republic of Hungary on Thursday, 6 February 2020 in order to force the Hungarian authorities to open the border and allow migrants into their territory.
The Republic of Serbia makes no distinction between its citizens and foreigners residing in it in terms of respecting the law. We emphasize that the state will not tolerate such outbursts that grossly abuse the hospitality that the Republic of Serbia provides to people in need. Also, the state will not allow irresponsible behavior of either its own or foreign nationals, including migrants, which may worsen or threaten Serbia's relations with neighboring countries.
In addition, we emphasize that abuse of children and minors for the purpose of promoting or obtaining material gain is absolutely unacceptable. The state will take all measures provided by law to prevent the deliberate fraud and incitement of migrants by some organizations and to prosecute any such case.
The misery and suffering of anyone cannot and should not become an opportunity for abuse by irresponsible people and groups, especially those who should help people in need and ease their already difficult situation.