The Service for Foreigners' Affairs of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina has organized the temporary relocation of 113 individuals from the Temporary Reception Center Lipa to the Temporary Reception Center Borici in Bihac to safeguard their human rights, health, and safety.

This decision came after severe weather conditions and heavy snowfall in the Una-Sana Canton caused widespread power outages, including in the Lipa centre.

The lack of electricity disrupted heating and essential services in the camp, posing significant risks to the health and safety of both the migrants and the staff working there.

The relocation effort was carried out in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which provided transportation, with additional support from the Ministry of Interior and local authorities of the Una-Sana Canton.

The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs emphasized its commitment to protecting human rights and dignity, stating, “In these challenging circumstances, assisting those in need remains our fundamental principle.”

The agency also expressed gratitude to all partners and institutions involved in the swift and effective coordination of the relocation process, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the safety and dignity of reception centre residents.

Monitoring of the situation at the Lipa centre will continue, with further measures to be taken as needed to prioritize the best interests of the migrants, ensuring their safety and dignity under all conditions, the Service confirmed in a statement.