The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights organized a working meeting on 25 March 2026 in Belgrade with representatives of key state institutions, international organizations, and the diplomatic community, within the framework of the EU4FAST project. The aim of the meeting was to assess, through a structured dialogue, the current situation of people originating from Ukraine in the Republic of Serbia, with a particular focus on legal status, access to rights, and the specific vulnerabilities of this population.
In addition to the organizer, the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Serbia, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Serbia, the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Serbia, the Asylum Office of the Ministry of the Interior, the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, the Centre for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, and GIZ Serbia. The meeting was opened by Sabine Olthof, Country director GIZ Serbia.
During the meeting, participants exchanged practical experiences and identified key challenges faced by persons under temporary protection. An increase in the number of Ukrainian nationals approaching institutions was noted, as well as a growing interest in transitioning to other forms of residence. It was highlighted that the majority are women heading households, often with children or elderly family members, which further increases their vulnerability and risk of exploitation.
Particular attention was given to the issue of human trafficking. Representatives of the Centre for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking pointed to an increase in the number of foreign nationals among identified and potential victims, especially in the context of labour exploitation, as well as the abuse of vulnerabilities of persons affected by war.
Participants emphasized numerous barriers in accessing fundamental rights, particularly healthcare, education, and the labour market. A specific issue identified was the enrollment of children in preschool institutions, as persons under temporary protection are treated as regular foreigners and are required to pay the full cost of services.
The discussion also highlighted the limitations of the temporary protection system, which does not provide long-term solutions or access to permanent residence, as well as challenges related to persons who are not able to work or who do not possess valid travel documents. Additional concerns included limited access to support services, especially for those living in private accommodation, as well as reduced funding for support programs.
Positive developments include improved cooperation between institutions and civil society organizations, as well as an increased number of referrals of potential victims of human trafficking.
Key findings of the meeting include:
It was concluded that the extension of the temporary protection regime until 2027 provides an important timeframe for planning transitional and long-term solutions, as well as for improving the system of protection and integration of this population.
This meeting was organized within the regional project “EU Support to Strengthening the Fight Against Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking in the Western Balkans (EU4FAST)[1]”, as part of the component implemented in the Republic of Serbia by the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights entitled “Specialized support to (potential) victims of migrant smuggling and human trafficking and legal pathways for vulnerable groups in Serbia”. The project aims to strengthen protection mechanisms, improve access to free legal aid, enable early identification of vulnerable persons, and enhance cooperation between state institutions and civil society organizations.
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[1] Implemented by a consortium of partners* (*Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Federal Police (Bundespolizei), the Netherlands Centre for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), CIVIPOL – the technical cooperation operator of the French Ministry of the Interior, as well as the Ministries of the Interior of Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia), and financially supported by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Italian Ministry of the Interior, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
