Forced migrations in Serbia: Refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Towards the end of the eighties and the beginning of the nineties the Balkan region was characterized by intensive migration of the population and the huge number of refugees. In the most dramatic conditions, in the most dramatic form and in a much larger number, the migration on the Balkans reach its peak in the former Yugoslavia. Forced and voluntary ethnocentric migrations was caused by disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, the civil war, 'ethnic cleansing' and the creation of new etno-national states. According to UNHCR data from 1995, the number of refugees in the former Yugoslavia are estimated about 3 million. According to the same source, over 620 thousand refugees were registered in Serbia, out of which about 43% from Bosnia-Herzegovina. This paper is based on two basic data sources: the census on refugees and on the survey. The paper focus on analysis of demographic and socio-economic characteristics of refugee's population: number, ethnic structure (mostly Bosnian Serbs), age structure, marriage structure, educational level, economic activity and occupation, type of accommodation, etc. The paper also explores three possible solutions of the refugee's problem: repatriation, local reintegration and emigration to abroad. The economic and social status of the refugees is very difficult and its solution requires considerable effort, as well as the assistance of the international community. According to UNHCR data from 2009, in Serbia has registered 97 thousand refugees and Serbia was the first country in Europe and the fifth country in the world with long-term refugee crisis.