The Balkans

MSF's work in the Balkans in 2021:

Thousands of people attempted to cross through the Balkans in 2021, in search of safety in other European destinations, despite reports of illegal pushbacks and indiscriminate violence by state authorities. In Serbia, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) assisted migrants and refugees living outside official accommodation, along the northern borders with Croatia, Hungary and Romania. Through mobile clinics, we offered medical and mental health care, as well as social support. In February 2021, MSF donated 2.5 tons of essential relief items, such as blankets and hygiene kits, to civil society organisations in Serbia to be distributed to people in need.

Between January and September, we also had teams working along the border areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing medical and mental health care to victims of violence. Throughout the year, and in both locations, our patients included victims of physical violence reportedly perpetrated by border authorities. We also treated people whose health had been affected by low temperatures in the region, poor living conditions, significant gaps in medical assistance and a lack of food, shelter, clean clothes and hygiene facilities.

Find out more in our international activity report >