The European Commission announced on Sunday that the EU will provide another 3.5 million euros in humanitarian aid to help migrants and refugees in Bosnia who are facing a “humanitarian disaster,” a press release by the EU Delegation in the country said.

There are more than 1,700 refugees and migrants without appropriate shelter and support in the northwestern Una Sana canton (USK) and 900 of them are currently staying at the tent camp Lipa, which was shut down and destroyed in a fire on December 23.

“In addition, a further 800 refugees and migrants are staying outdoors in harsh winter conditions, including children,” the press release said.

“The situation in Una Sana canton is unacceptable. Winter-proof accommodations are a pre-requisite for humane living conditions, which need to be ensured at all times. Local authorities need to make existing facilities available and provide a temporary solution until Lipa camp is rebuilt into a permanent facility. The EU’s humanitarian assistance will provide the people in distress with access to basic items as an immediate alleviation to their current plight. However, long-term solutions are urgently needed. We urge the authorities not to leave people out in the cold, without access to sanitary facilities in the midst of a global pandemic,” said EU High Representative, Josep Borrell.

“Hundreds of people, including children, are sleeping outside in freezing temperatures in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This humanitarian disaster could be avoided, if the authorities created sufficient winterized shelter capacity in the country, including by making use of existing facilities available. The EU will provide additional emergency assistance including to those sleeping outside by distributing food, blankets, warm clothes and continue to support unaccompanied minors. However, humanitarian assistance would not be required in Bosnia and Herzegovina, if the country implemented appropriate migration management, as requested by the EU for many years,” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic.

According to the press release the newly announced humanitarian funding will provide refugees and migrants with “warm clothing, blankets, food, as well as healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support” and will also contribute to efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

“This funding comes on top of €4.5 million allocated in April 2020, bringing EU humanitarian assistance for refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina to €13.8 million since 2018,” it said.