An Italian NGO, IPSIA-ACLI, has recently opened a new center in Bihac, Bosnia-Herzegovina, dedicated to helping unaccompanied migrant minors and vulnerable individuals. This center, which is part of the Balkan Route – Assistenza in Transito (BRAT) project, was established with the support of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency. The facility is named in honor of Adriano Poletti, a former mayor in Italy, known for his work with the Associazioni Cristiane Lavoratori Italiani (ACLI). His legacy of aiding communities in need continues through this important project.
Once fully functional, the center will provide shelter and support for up to 32 people. This includes migrants from nearby camps in Lipa and Borići, as well as at-risk minors from the local community. The aim is to create a safe space for these vulnerable individuals, offering them not only accommodation but also access to psychological, material, and social support services. The center was created in partnership with various organizations, including IPSIA-ACLI, the Italian embassy, and local institutions like the Bosnia-Herzegovina health ministry and Bihać city council.
At the opening ceremony, Riccardo Righelli, representing the Italian embassy, praised the collaborative efforts between international organizations and local authorities. This project is seen as a significant step in addressing the needs of migrants passing through Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly along the Balkan Route. The city of Bihac is strategically located near the Croatian border, making it a crucial point for migrants hoping to cross into the European Union. This new facility will play a vital role in supporting these individuals during their challenging journeys.
Marco Calvetto, President of IPSIA-ACLI, highlighted the importance of the center in providing protection and care for the most vulnerable members of the migrant community. He also emphasized the dedication of the center to Adriano Poletti, whose efforts in supporting Bosnia-Herzegovina laid the groundwork for such initiatives. Silvia Maraone, Director of IPSIA BiH, further expressed how the center would continue to help migrants, especially unaccompanied minors, by offering them essential services and guidance during their transit through the region.
Overall, the opening of this center marks a critical development in the ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to migrants along the Balkan Route. It is hoped that the facility will help ease the struggles faced by many who find themselves in Bosnia-Herzegovina, providing them with the resources they need to move forward.