§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to ensure that, with half a million refugees reported to be there, a humanitarian catastrophe within Serbia is averted. [HL3295]
26WA
§ Baroness AmosMost of the refugees in Serbia fled from the conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia several years ago. They have so far been unable to return because of lack of political will in their home countries, despite pressure from the international community. Just under half are considered vulnerable by the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The UK will help to meet real humanitarian needs within Serbia as part of the international community's effort. We expect to work through intermediaries such as the UN agencies and NGOs. Vulnerable groups in Serbia, including refugees, continue to receive assistance from the Red Cross Movement. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has sent relief convoys into Serbia to help recently displaced Kosovar Serbs.