June, 20th, World Refugee Day: The protection and education needs of children must be prioritised

Sarajevo, June 19th, 2016 - With 17 million school-age refugees and internally displaced children in countries affected by conflict around the world, World Vision calls to ensure that refugees and refugee children are better protected, educated and supported.

“Innovative solutions must be found to guarantee that children living in difficult and volatile situations do not miss out on school. All refugee children need access to education so that their futures are not irreparably damaged” said Sarah Bearup, national director of World Vision Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Data shows that refugees are five times less likely to attend school than other children, with only 50% of refugee children enrolled in primary school and less than 25% enrolled in secondary school”.

During the past year, the Balkans Byway has experienced the highest migration flow since the Second World War, with more than one million people from war torn countries making their journey to Europe. In partnership with the Serbian government, World Vision Bosnia and Herzegovina expanded its work to Serbia to respond to the needs of an increasing number of the most vulnerable refugees, especially children. In addition to the distribution of aid, World Vision opened Child Friendly Spaces in partnership with UNICEF and conducted child protection activities for children and their parents reaching 44,880 people.

“Child Friendly Spaces were staffed with trained psychologists, early childhood educators and interpreters/cultural mediators who made it easier for children journeying through Serbia to experience a safe and protective environment” said Bearup. “We all need to work together to ensure that all refugee children and better protected, educated and supported”.

With the closure of the Balkans Byway on March 8, 2016, World Vision has continued providing support to those who have remained in Serbia working closely with local partners, reaching total of 154,117 refugees.