Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements

In order to improve conditions at Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre, RMF Balkans partnered with the Serbian government, local construction companies, and non-governmental organizations to implement the Obrenovac Refugee Camp Improvements Project. The goal of the project is to improve residents’ quality of life and provide them with a means to cope with their difficult social and economic situation. RMF Balkans renovated the first floor of an old government building, as well as the reception area at the entrance of the camp. The large space on the first floor was transformed into a movie theater, and the old rooms were adapted and turned into a computer room and offices. The renovation lasted for more than two months, with approximately 100 people working on it from the beginning, and it was successfully completed in July 2018.

After the completion of the renovations, RMF Balkans remains cognizant of refugees’ and migrants’ social health at Obrenovac Reception and Transit Centre and continues to manage and maintain the new facilities. The computer room, now called the Asylum Resource Centre (ARC), is led by RMF, and educational activities are regularly held both in the ARC and the movie theater.

Infrastructural Improvement

RMF Balkans renovated the first floor of Building 11 and the reception area at the entrance of the camp. The reconstruction included upgrading the existing infrastructure, installing sanitary facilities, and providing basic furniture and necessary equipment in line with international standards.

Our team built a movie theater with a projector in the largest room on the floor. In addition to its entertainment value, the theater is also being used as a conference room for educational workshops and classes such as language courses, basic computer courses, etc. All organizations in the camp can use the theater, while other renovated rooms are being used as offices for employees and storage rooms for medicines and medical and dental equipment.

Asylum Resource Centre (ARC)

One room was transformed into a computer room, now called the Asylum Resource Centre (ARC), where refugees can access the internet and get in touch with their families and friends. ARC opened on August 1, 2018, and its working hours are from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday. There are seven laptops with all necessary devices, such as headphones and computer mice, along with seven computer tables and chairs.

Maintenance and Activities

In order to improve the quality of life for refugees and migrants, RMF Balkans continues to maintain its improvements at the camp, particularly the Asylum Resource Centre, which is managed by RMF. We also provide infrastructural support depending on the needs of the residents.

• Overcrowded conditions at the camp
• Lack of safe spaces for privacy, rest, education, and socialization
• Poor mental, physical, and social health among refugees and migrants

RMF Balkans will continue to collaborate with Serbian authorities and organizations, such as the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, to ensure the ongoing success and maintenance of its renovations, particularly the movie theater and the Asylum Resource Centre (ARC). In addition to managing the ARC, RMF Balkans will continue to monitor the status of the improvements of the Obrenovac camp and respond to problems as needed. The improvements and ongoing maintenance will benefit the long-term social, mental, and physical health of refugees and migrants at the camp by enriching their environment with opportunities for education, entertainment, and both digital and personal communication.