Action of solidarity and help to the poorest part of our population and the most endangered ones, in the dramatic climate condition, that are the reason for state of emergency that is declared in Serbia, consisted of help to 30 families from informal settlement Belville in Belgrade.
During the snow blizzard, at extremely cold weather, more then 50 inhabitants in this settlement, in most urgent need for help, came to meet us.
During the conversation of WiB activists and the people who live in this informal settlement we found out following facts:
1. Despite state of emergency and extreme winter no one from the state institutions came to talk with them or to offer help with coal and firewood , cloths, food, medicine, nor did they offer to find solution for their situation;
2. The representatives of social institutions ( Center for social work, Red cross, etc.) also ignored the situation- no one offered help to the inhabitants of this informal settlement.
3. Children are in the biggest danger. There are three babies younger then four months and fifteen babies from one to two years old, only in this settlement. Babies need cloths, diapers, medicine and baby food. Five children younger then five suffer from bronchial asthma and are in desperate need for inhalation equipment .We want to remind you that this data refers to one settlement, while, in Belgrade alone, there are more then 160 registered informal settlements.
4. Firewood and coal is at moment, most urgent need for the people who live in this settlement, and the only sustainable solution is EVACUATION OF PEOPLE and accommodation with necessary conditions, first of all heating.
Based on this conversation WiB concluded following:
1. The state institutions failed to fulfill the obligations from the NAP for the Roma population from 2009, thus leaving huge part of its population without any support and help in the situation of extreme need.
2. WiB will form mobile team that will visit informal settlements in Belgrade and provide support to the people according to our potentials.
Next action of solidarity will take place on Wednesday, February 15th in Belville at noon
Whoever wants to show solidarity in action can join us during the action, or can donate food, medicine, winter shoes, cloths and blankets, at the WiB office on Monday and Tuesday (February 13th an 14th) or contact us for any information at 0112623225, or via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SOLIDARITY NOT MERCY!
Women in Black, Belgrade, February 12th, 2012
