Rising numbers of women and children pass through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia to seek refuge in Western Europe - UNICEF

Photos and broll are available at: http://uni.cf/1LOQt9b

SKOPJE, BELGRADE and GENEVA, Sept. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Women and children seeking refuge in Western Europe continue to pass through the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia in growing numbers. Nearly 10,000 people, approximately 40 per cent of whom were women and children, were registered crossing into the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at Gevgelija from Greece from September 1-6. More than 7,720 people were also registered crossing into Serbia through Presevo over the same time period.

Yet the actual number of women and children reaching the reception centres in both countries is likely to be double the reported figures, as many families travel onwards without being officially registered.

Since June of this year, more than 64,000 people have been registered at the reception centre in Gevgelija, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, while 89,161 people who have expressed their intention to seek asylum have been registered crossing into Serbia during the same period.

For refugees who have entered Serbia and registered their intent to seek asylum, they are given 72 hours to complete the process. Most of them continue their journey by bus north to the capital city of Belgrade, then further on to Hungary, and finally to western or northern European countries. Many are fleeing violence from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.

UNICEF expands humanitarian services at reception centres
UNICEF and its partners continue to expand humanitarian services at reception centres in the two countries. In Gevgelija, UNICEF has been very quick in addressing the immediate needs of women and children, including providing water and age-appropriate food as well as toys. It has also established several child friendly spaces, where up to 50 children at a time can play and benefit from psychosocial support and women can rest and take care of their babies. Three 10,000 litre water tanks collapsible for safe drinking and washing water are being installed.

On the Serbian side of the border at Presevo, UNICEF has established a child friendly space, equipped with educational materials and toys. It also offers recreational and educational activities, which are beneficial for the physical and emotional wellbeing of the children on the move through Serbia. Parents will shortly be provided with basic counseling related to child health and nutrition, hygiene and safety issues. Additional child friendly spaces will also open soon in Belgrade and the town of Kanjiza, near the Hungarian border, for refugees and migrants on the move through Serbia.

UNICEF in Serbia has also been supporting the health authorities to define guidelines for infant and young children feeding and produce information for lactating mothers. UNICEF stands ready to provide additional support with infant and young children feeding, sanitation and hygiene, if needed.

Canadians can help by donating to UNICEF's Syrian crisis response at unicef.ca

About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

Image with caption: "A young girls stands with other children and adults at a reception centre in Gevgelija in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia after crossing the border from Idomeni in Greece. Many are escaping conflict and insecurity in their home countries. © UNICEF/UNI195496/Klincarov (CNW Group/UNICEF Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150908_C8156_PHOTO_EN_491800.jpg

To arrange interviews or for more information please contact: Tiffany Baggetta, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8892, 647-308-4806 (mobile), [email protected]