Serbia: Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements
602 Refugees used the ARC Before Program Pause: Q1 2019
June 01, 2019
Download Full Report
Beneficiaries using computers at the ARC
Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements
Asylum Resource Centre (ARC)
RMF Balkans completed the Asylum Resource Center (ARC) in Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre during July 2018 and operated the center from its opening on August 1, 2018. The renovation included upgrading the existing infrastructure, installing sanitary facilities, and providing basic furniture and necessary equipment in line with international standards. There are seven laptops with all necessary devices, such as headphones and computer mice, along with seven computer tables and chairs. In order to make the computer room accessible to all, use of the ARC is limited to one hour a day per person. The RMF team and representatives from the Commissariat monitor and record entries and exits from the ARC.
During the first month of the quarter, until February 4th, the ARC had 602 visitors. Most were from Afghanistan (314) and Pakistan (281). In general, 78% used the computers to contact their families on Facebook and Skype. The rest used the opportunity for entertainment by watching movies and music videos, playing video games, or browsing the internet. Every Monday at the ARC, RMF Balkans organized a language lesson workshop called Education Monday.
As part of this renovation in 2018, the RMF Balkans team also built a movie theater with a projector in the largest room on same floor of this building. In addition to its entertainment value, the theater is also used as a conference room for educational workshops and classes such as language courses, basic computer courses, and more. All organizations in the camp can use the theater; however, it is required that employees from the Commissariat and police are present at all times. During this reporting period, the movie theater was used twice by other organizations at the Obrenovac camp. A movie night was organized by CollectiveAid/BelgalAid.
Project on Standby
Technical Challenges
During the first quarter of 2019, RMF Balkans faced technical challenges that affected the operations of our programs in the Balkans. Since February 4, 2019 RMF Balkans has been unable to use its Mobile Medical Clinic and Mobile Dental Clinic. The Asylum Resource Center (ARC) Project is also on standby until the challenges are resolved. Thanks to the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, however, RMF Balkans was able to reinstate services at the stationary clinic in Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre, where we continue to provide medical and cultural mediation services. We hope to resume our mobile clinics and other programs in the near future.
- Improve the living conditions of refugees and migrants in Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre through renovation and ongoing maintenance of facilities.
- Provide ongoing opportunities for education, entertainment, and socialization at the renovated facilities.
In order to improve the quality of life of refugees and migrants at Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre, RMF Balkans renovated the first floor of Building 11 at the camp, as well as the reception area. The reconstruction included upgrading existing infrastructure, installing sanitary facilities, and providing basic furniture and necessary equipment.
RMF also built a movie theater and a computer room, called the Asylum Resource Centre (ARC). These facilities have given refugees and migrants greater access to both education and entertainment, as well as enabling them to connect with their families and friends.
More Reports on: Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements Archive
Country Page: Serbia
Initiative Page: Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements
