Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights – YUCOM, in collaboration with Ombudsman and the Ministry of Interior has succeeded to provide a five-member family originally from Syria to leave Serbia, and therefore guarantee uninterrupted continuance of their journey to their country of refuge.
On July the 6th 2015, Syrian family had contacted Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights – YUCOM, asking for help and legal protection. Namely, members of this family were illegal migrants on Serbian territory, waiting for a Visa of the countryof refuge. Their appeal to YUCOM made their stay on the Serbian territory legal, until they were able to leave the country.
After they received Visa, a problem was found in practice, as well as in the legislation. Specifically, the question of: how a person illegally residing on the Serbian territory can legally leavethe country. Another problem was the practice of punishment of refugees fleeing the warzone for misdemeanor, which is prohibited by the Article 31 of the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
Immediately after filling the complaint on the behalf of YUCOM, it was revised by the Ombudsman and later passed on to the Ministry of Interior, which had dealt within the same day, andfinally Syrian family was allowed to leave Serbia.
There is a need of harmonization of practices and legal provisions on this matter.
YUCOM expresses sincere gratitude for the fast and effective response of the Ombudsman and the Ministry of Interior, and hopes for successful cooperation in the future.
