Strengthening the operational efficiency of the Asylum Sector: exchange between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro
In the period from September 24 to 26, in Petrovac (Montenegro), Hilfswerk International hosted an operational meeting organized with a focus on strengthening institutional cooperation and operational efficiency which brought together representatives of the Asylum Sector of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of the Directorate for Administrative Affairs, Citizenship and Foreigners, as well as the participants from Asylum Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Montenegro.
Serving as an opportunity for a direct exchange of knowledge, mutual best practices and ideas, this meeting provided the aforementioned actors and delegations with a unique opportunity to present the characteristics of the asylum system represented in individual countries, with an insight into the legislation and its individual segments that are in the procedural evaluation phase. The meeting provided an opportunity to present relevant strategies, work regulations and action plans, along with the exchange of practical ideas and recommendations for improving inter-institutional and cross-border cooperation with a focus on decision-making segments and asylum procedures. Through the exchange of experiences, the participants discussed the similarity of the systems, the challenge of interoperable communication or its lack as well as concrete steps that can be taken to improve future cooperation and coordination.
The conversations included discussions on the negotiation processes on Chapter 24, the EU acquis and directives that need to be implemented, as well as discussions on resolving important procedural issues and promoting a common understanding of best practices and standards in dispute resolution. The goal of the meeting was to find feasible solutions that can improve procedural protection, increase efficiency and strengthen the legitimacy of the asylum process in both countries.
The need to improve reception conditions and solve the problem of limited resources, including human resources and budgeting for asylum-related activities, were discussed with an emphasis on the importance of preserving full protection for applicants while respecting the integrity of the asylum procedure, providing appropriate and procedural guarantees, specialized interviews and coordination with relevant social and health services during the integration of persons with international protection status. The mentioned topic highlighted the special importance of fair treatment in the areas of protection of unaccompanied minors, victims of violence and persons with disabilities.
This activity improved regional and bilateral cooperation by coordinating efforts with EU standards. Regional solidarity, highlighted as key to efficient migration management, also resulted in a tendency to continue the aforementioned dialogue, with the aim of improving efficiency in the field of migration management. The exchange confirmed the strong commitment of Montenegro and BiH participants to continuous exchange of information and improvement of cooperation, supporting mutual progress towards improved and harmonized asylum systems.
This meeting was organized as part of the project “Strengthening Migration Management, Asylum and Return Processes in the Western Balkans” which Hilfswerk International is implementing together with the Joint Coordination Platform (JCP). The project is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of Austria.
More about the project: https://hwi.ba/en/projects/refugees-migrants-displaced-persons/strengthening-migration-management-asylum-and-return-processes-in-the-western-balkans/22
