Why?
The Hungarian Red Cross aims at protecting migrants at entry points and their journeys throughout the country. The project focuses on: the distribution of bottled water and basic non-food items, prepositioning of food and non-food relief items, health care, including first aid, screening, psychosocial support, hygiene promotion, restoring family links, and building the Hungarian Red Cross’ capacity. Europe has seen a marked rise in migration in 2015, and Hungary is seen as a transit country for travelling to other European Union countries. The number of migrants registered in Hungary has risen over 2015, with 5,809 being the most recorded on a single day on 13 September. As of mid-September 2015, more than 196,300 persons have been registered, with 170,076 asylum applications received as of 13 September 2015. The project takes place in asylum facilities in Debrecen, Bicske, Vamossabad, and Kormend (temporary facility), alongside a pre-registration centre in Roszke and a border-crossing point at Szentgotthard.
What?
The immediate needs of migrants, such as food, water, first aid, and basic health screening services, are supported upon arrival, and food and non-food items and distributed. Non-food items include blankets, raincoats, and hygiene kits. Since many become separated from their families, the Hungarian Red Cross commits resources to reuniting families. Migrants also often lack adequate information on rights and other basic information to make healthy decisions for the future, thus a critical component is also listening to their voices and understanding what their real needs and plans are. Psychosocial support is also given to migrants and Red Cross staff, and the Hungarian Red Cross’ capacity to manage the heavy influxes of migrants is increased through increasing warehouse and fleet capabilities.
Who?
The project focuses on those accommodated at reception and pre-registration centres, collection points, transit locations, and on the border between Serbia and Hungary. A priority is on assisting pregnant women and new-born babies, single parent households, and persons with acute or serious health conditions. This project expects to address the needs of up to 120,000 people.