Statement by MODS

The Network of Organisations for the Children of Serbia (MODS) welcomes all efforts of the competent authorities and many volunteers who have engaged to assist the population affected by floods. It is evident that much effort has been invested to provide emergency shelters and protection to a large number of people in a very short period of time, thus allowing them to re-establish normal life.

At this point, however, there are new challenges in avoiding additional traumatisation of vulnerable families and children. In this regard, MODS expresses its concern about the living conditions in some collective centres that are already overcrowded with people and children. There are still about 350 people, including about 70 children, in the collective centre in Belgrade Fair. From the beginning of accommodation to date only dry food rations have been given to a large number of children who have been residing there for over three weeks, deprived of adequate nutrition. The introduction of at least one cooked meal a day would be a significant improvement.

Another reason for concern is the rapid relocation of people and children from the reception/ collective centres in Belgrade to the facilities that are often inadequate. Although the provision of this accommodation also requires significant efforts by the competent institutions, the choice of facilities that will accommodate children must be carried out with more attention and responsibility for their physical and mental health. Examples of such inadequate facilities are the shacks in Krnjača, the old barracks in Obrenovac and the shacks in Makiš, where a significant number of families with small children have been placed. Inadequate housing and unhygienic conditions put children’s lives, health and proper development at risk.

We urge the competent public authorities to pay particular attention to the issue of equal treatment of all affected individuals. We call on them to ensure equal conditions, without discrimination and respecting the equal rights of every child, so that every child could continue living in a healthy and safe environment.

In order to diminish uncertainty among those who need support, especially those who are in reception centres, we invite the City of Belgrade and local self-governments to announce who is appointed and responsible for coordination, planning and provision of support to the families affected by flooding and who makes decisions on accommodation of vulnerable children from Obrenovac.

Solidarity and humanity of all citizens was demonstrated in the period of crisis. We believe that in the same way solidarity and humanity will be expressed in the future reconstruction of the flooded areas, especially in providing support to the citizens affected by floods, equally and without discrimination.

The Network of Organisations for the Children of Serbia (MODS) appeals to public authorities, local self-government bodies, organisations and institutions to provide assistance to vulnerable population affected by recent floods in Serbia, while respecting in particular the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination. We believe that it is crucial to preserve the fundamental values of a society based on respect for children's, human and minority rights.