More than one million refugees and migrants who reached Europe by sea transited through Serbia between 2015 and 2016, on their way to their destination country. Since mid-2016, the situation in Serbia has transformed into one of prolonged stay. Most new arrivals come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Bangladesh and Iran. As migrants and asylum seekers are staying longer in the country, needs have largely shifted from emergency to long-term support. Throughout their journeys, women and girls are exposed to various forms of physical and sexual violence and harrassment. UNFPA's work in Serbia focuses on empowering women, men and young people through life-skills programmes and workshops on sexual and reproductive rights. UNFPA also distributes dignity kits to women and girls in asylum and reception centers and provides relevant training to health workers and other local responders, such as social workers and police.
