Strengthening Partnership for Refugee Integration in Bulgaria

Strategic Insights -

Bulgaria's State Agency for Refugees (SAR) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing refugee integration and inclusion in the country. A recent meeting between SAR chairman Ivan Ivanov and UNHCR representative Seda Kuzucu highlighted the importance of joint efforts in addressing the challenges faced by refugees in Bulgaria. The discussion centered on legislative changes, digitization, and the development of a national reception strategy, with a focus on creating alternative care services for refugee children.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAR and UNHCR have emphasized the importance of integrating and including refugees in Bulgaria, particularly as the country serves as an external border of the European Union.
  • The institutions highlighted the need for legislative changes, including the active work on the new Asylum and Refugees Act, to better support refugee integration.
  • UNHCR representative Seda Kuzucu congratulated the SAR on its pilot project for developing alternative social services for refugee children, presented on July 29 at the Council of Ministers.
  • The UNHCR fully recognizes the importance of efforts to provide services outside Registration and Reception Centres, which is key to building sustainable communities and promoting social cohesion.

Statistics:

  • The SAR and UNHCR have partnered to develop a national reception strategy, aiming to provide comprehensive support to refugees in Bulgaria.
  • The UNHCR has committed to providing technical support and expertise for training to help Bulgaria develop effective refugee integration programs.
  • The SAR has been actively working on the new Asylum and Refugees Act, which aims to improve the country's refugee response and integration efforts.
  • The UNHCR has recognized the SAR's efforts to create alternative care services for refugee children, as presented in the pilot project on July 29.

Sources:

  • A press release by the SAR, dated Friday (no particular date mentioned)
  • [Source omitted as no detailed source is provided to cite]