A steady stream of refugees and migrants continue to arrive in Serbia each month. Throughout their journeys, women and girls are exposed to various forms of physical and sexual violence and harrassment. When they arrive in Serbia, they often require health or protection assistance, including mental health and psychosocial support. UNFPA’s support includes distribution of dignity kits containing hygiene and sanitary products, information and awareness activities, and training of local service providers on gender-based violence.

Türkiye continues to host the largest number of refugees worldwide, the large majority of whom come from Syria. The social and economic impacts of COVID-19 have exacerbated the vulnerability of refugees and host community members and created additional barriers to accessing essential services, including sexual and reproductive health care and protection from gender-based violence. UNFPA is focused on strengthening access to critical SRH and GBV services for both refugees and in host communities, paying attention to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ persons, sex workers, HIV-positive persons and persons with disabilities.

The ongoing armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine continues to take a toll on the well-being of millions of women, girls and young people. Access to livelihood opportunities and basic services, including life-saving sexual and reproductive health care and information, has been severely disrupted. Many health facilities near the 'contact line' between the government-controlled and non-government controlled areas lack medicines, equipment and staff. Gender-based violence is also pervasive but cases go under-reported. A rapid scale-up of services is needed to meet urgent health and protection needs. UNFPA supports health facilities in Eastern Ukraine and provides services in affected communities through mobile SRH and GBV teams.

In the past years, the country was part of the so called Balkan route of migration and since the closure of the borders on this route in 2016 the numbers of migrants passing through has decreased significantly, with number of persons in transit centers varying from 50-70. Since June 2015 UNFPA has played a prominent role in providing timely and substantial support. As the numbers of vulnerable population decrease, UNFPA supports national partners in preparedness activities