EU lashes Bosnia for failing to care for migrants

European Union's top migration official on Tuesday criticized Bosnian authorities for failing to properly care for hundreds of migrants living in sub-zero temperatures on its territory, warning Balkan country of its obligations if it hopes to join EU. Bosnia has faced sharp criticism for leaving around 1,000 people without shelter after fire gutted Lipa camp near rthwest border with Croatia just before Christmas.

authorities first said y would move migrants to ar location, but finally set up military tents at site inste.

"Bosnia-Herzegovina must show it's capable of managing migration. It must take responsibility, dress humanitarian situation," Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson told EU lawmakers.

As a country with a perspective of EU accession, we expect Bosnia-Herzegovina to work on sustainable, long-term solutions, to set up facilities evenly distributed across full territory of country, Johansson said.

She said she would visit area in February.

problem is t new. Bosnia has been widely criticized in recent years for mishandling arrival of thousands of people, many fleeing war and poverty. politically unstable and impoverished Balkan country is still recovering from its own war in 1990s. Divided into two feuding entities, Bosnia lacks a unified policy on migrants.

Serb-run part of country has refused to accept any, and overburdened rthwestern region has complained it has been abandoned despite help from international organizations. Migrants come to Bosnia with aim of reaching its EU neighbor Croatia before moving on into Western Europe.

Many have complained about pushbacks, which are illegal under international refugee law, and violence at hands of Croatia's police. Johansson said that thanks to EU help, around 900 people w have shelter in wear-proof tents, with access to heating and food supplies.

"Thanks to our action, situation has improved but only from grave to serious. Stopping immediate risk to life is beginning, t end, of ensuring acceptable, dignified living conditions," she said.

Lipa camp was only ever set up as a temporary measure to cope with impact of coronavirus over summer.

Bosnian central authorities wanted to move some migrants to a nearby facility at Bira, but local authorities blocked move as protests were organized.

(IM CREDITS:Twitter/@YlvaJohansson)