Summary
Serbia continues to host a large number of refugees and IDPs in need of durable solutions. As of July 1 2017, there were 201,047 internally displaced persons in Serbia, one third of which are vulnerable, especially Roma IDPs. The obstacles to sustainable return are numerous and diverse, while many returnees through readmission remain unable to integrate effectively into Serbian society.
Through this project, the EU supports economic independence, proper housing and legal rights of refugees, IDPs and returnees from readmission process in Serbia, improving their quality of life.
The grants help the IDPs and returnees and also benefit the target communities. The focus is on income generating activities (basic means for employment/self-employment, vocational training for IDPs and returnees from readmission in accordance with the requirements of the labour market). Housing solutions for the IDPs will be provided (building apartments, purchasing village houses, assistance for accommodation within the social protection system - social institutions and social housing in a protected environment). A total number of 187 housing solutions as well as 330 packages for economic support will be provided and support to implementation of 30 Local Action Plans.
The project also supports sustainable return of IDPs willing to return, informative visits to relevant places in Kosovo, as well as assistance related to relocation administration. Assistance kits will be delivered, as well as transport to return locations. Socio-economic stabilisation of returnees’ communities will be supported through training and grants for income generation activities.