Printer Friendly Version Contribution of security forces to dealing with large migration flows discussed in the joint Session of Forum for Security Co-operation and Permanent Council @ 30 October 2017 10:49 AM

 

VIENNA, 18 October 2017 – The role of security forces in supporting national governments in managing migration crises was the focus of the today’s debate in the Forum for Security Co-operation under the Serbian Chairmanship in Vienna.

 

Speakers stressed the importance of consolidating efforts of security forces to regulate migration, particularly with a view to countering transnational threats such as human trafficking along migration routes. They also noted that migration flows, when not managed in a human rights-compliant, comprehensive and co-ordinated way, have the potential to undermine co-operation, stability, and security.

 

Vladimir Rebić, Serbia’s General Police Director, noted that the response to managing migration flows should be “strong, at national, regional, European and international levels, through mutual assistance and co-operation.” Referring to Serbia’s response, he mentioned the formation of joint forces of the police and the army to protect the country’s borders.

 

 

Rebić said that another issue the Serbian government had to address was “the need to meet the needs of a large number of refugees and migrants in an efficient and humane way”.

 

The Serbian government developed in 2015 an action plan in response to an increased influx of refugees and migrants identifying relevant institutions and organizations, specific tasks, measures and activities to be undertaken, as well as providing necessary resources to address the issue.