Improving Human Security for Vulnerable Communities in Southwest Serbia

For over 20 years, the Sandžak region of south-west Serbia has received an influx of displaced groups from across the Balkans. Refugees, IDPs and Roma communities live in temporary housing or illegal settlements, with little more than rudimentary shelter and inadequate access to water, electricity and land to grow food. They often lack the necessary documentation to access essential social services, including healthcare and education. Subsequently, south-west Serbia remains vulnerable to outbreaks of violence as tensions rise between communities divided along ethnic lines.

The programme’s objective is to promote economic security and social cohesion towards improving the overall human security of vulnerable communities in Sandžak. To this end, the programme proposes to: (i) improve income generation and enhance employment opportunities for vulnerable populations; (ii) increase inter-ethnic understanding and community cohesion; (iii) expand access to social and public services and provide official documentation to displaced groups; and (iv) promote the application of human security with central and local governments as well as civil society organizations.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary
Programme Brochure “Promoting Human Security for Vulnerable Communities in Southwest Serbia”