MIGRANT CRISIS

Ružnić: We need better coordination of local authorities and intl. organizations

It is necessary to establish transparent procedures for the flow of money entering B&H for migration purposes and to determine the competent institution for the crisis

On the other hand, the problem is, warns Ružnić, insufficient control of the state border, especially the eastern one. Fena

H. J. I. / Fena

An adequate response to the migrant situation requires much better coordination of all levels of government and international organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, said the Una-Sana Canton Prime Minister Mustafa Ružnić at today's regular session of the Association of Independent Intellectuals "Circle 99".

Speaking as an introductory speaker on the topic of "The Development of the Krajina Region and the Migrant Crisis", he stressed that not even three years since the migrant crisis escalated and the so-called Balkan route opened, there is still no coordinating body that determines who is responsible on behalf of each institution.

On the other hand, the problem is, warns Ružnić, insufficient control of the state border, especially the eastern one, as well as the fact that migrants are unevenly distributed throughout B&H, emphasizing that the burden of this problem cannot be tackled by the Krajina region on its own.

He notes that the basic request to the Council of Ministers of B&H is to establish that coordination and ensure the even distribution of reception centers, but he believes that the border crossings where migrants come to B&H must be closed.

He says that it is necessary to establish transparent procedures for the flow of money entering B&H for migration purposes and to determine the competent institution for the crisis, stating that 91 million euros have been allocated for B&H so far, but it is also necessary to adopt an operational plan for migration management and show that B&H as a country has things under control.

He also asked the Presidency of B&H to adopt a quota of how many migrants B&H is able to take care of, which other countries have done, reminding that, under the existing laws, 7,000 migrants currently in B&H should all be deported and that is the job of the Service for Foreigners Affairs.

He said that he was proud that the Una-Sana Canton, with its modest financial resources, managed to struggle on its own and has formed several reception centers and accommodated migrants, provided them with assistance and provided education for the children that attend four schools in the USC.

But, regardless of that, Prime Minister Ružnić points out that the Krajina region cannot deal with this problem on its own and take care of thousands of migrants passing through on the Balkan route.