The Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Macedonia associated with Disaster Risk Management

Abstract

The refugee and migrant crisis is a global problem not only for the Republic of Macedonia and the Balkans but the whole of Europe. The Republic of Macedonia is one of the key points of the Balkan's route of movement, mainly from the Middle East, Arab states and North Africa to countries in Western Europe. During the first half of 2015, the country was faced with a mass influx of refugees and migrants who entered from neighboring Greece. This situation caused a disruption of public order and security in the cities, especially in the southern and northern parts. Therefore it was needed to undertake coordinated and organized action and the Government on 19.8.2015 adopted a Decision declaring the crisis situation in the southern and northern borders. Two temporary reception and transit centers near Gevgelija and Kumanovo (Tabanovce) were established for organized transit through Macedonia. Approximately 888,500 refugees and migrants transited through the territory of the country in the past period. They were provided with maximum support in their reception, temporary accommodation, organized transportation, food, clothing, medical assistance, and other services.

Keywords

• refugees
• migrants
• crisis management
• risk
• distress risk management