|
|
Since February 2001 |
fYROM |
34,944 |
* |
Kosovo |
64,818 |
73,818 |
Albania |
68 |
* |
FRY (Serbia, Montenegro) |
8,000 |
|
Turkey |
5,017 |
** |
Croatia |
1,400 |
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
600 |
|
Bulgaria |
500 |
|
TOTAL
|
115,347 |
124,347 |
* Registered with the Macedonian Red Cross
** Figures since May 2001. The 4, 621 arrivals registered during March and April are not included as most of these persons returned to fYROM.
*** This number reflects the balance between the number of persons entering and leaving Turkey since 1 June 2001.
The situation in Kosovo has calmed down in relation to
last week. After reaching a record number of 8 383 arrivals on 24 June (over
25,000 new arrivals in ten days since the 22nd of June), the number
of persons coming into Kosovo decreased considerably and returns began to take
place, particularly over the weekend. The accumulated number of those
returning reached on Sunday between 2,500 and 3,000 persons. Most of them were returning to Skopje
town, motivated by the latest cease-fire anxious to assess the situation of
their homes and properties. On Sunday some of the returnees without passports
faced difficulties with the border police although in possession of a photo-ID.
Apparently, there were some persons who were even refused re-entry into fYROM
but most managed to re-enter fYROM although some did so against payment. UNHCR
is closely monitoring the return movement.
The estimated number of arrivals in Kosovo since May
is 64 818 (73,818 since February). After deducing the number of those returning
to fYROM, there remain in Kosovo around 61,000 persons from fYROM.
While welcoming these returns, UNHCR remains cautious
and continues to closely following the situation inside fYROM. It has been
previously experienced that one incident can instantly trigger a large-scale
movement out of fYROM.
As
of 1st July, the Macedonian Red Cross (MRC) reported the registration of a
total of 34,944 persons displaced as a result of the conflict starting in
February 2001. 926 persons remain lodged in six collective centres, while the
large majority stays with host families. The persons displaced include both
ethnic Albanians and ethnic Macedonians. The majority of the displaced persons
are staying with host families but over nine hundred of them are in collective
centres. Agencies estimate that many of the registered IDPs have crossed into
Kosovo in the past days. An adjustment in the figures provided is expected
after a second distribution of assistance at the end of June.
In Turkey the number of arrivals from fYROM on 28 June
(the latest figure available) was 294 persons (135 departures). The resulting balance
brings the number to 5 017. A few of these arrivals have expressed their
intention to submit a claim for asylum.
No special changes were reported in Bulgaria or
Croatia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina a group of close to 100 persons
(Muslims/Bonsiaks) from fYROM approached UNHCR enquiring on the way to
regularise their stay after their 3-month entry with no visa requirement
expires. They were informed of the asylum procedures and the protection letters
issued by UNHCR for those who apply.
SEO
2 July 2001