In the wake of the escalating crisis in Afghanistan, more and more people are fleeing the country in search of safety in Europe. Collective Aid already provides assistance to 1000 refugees a week in Vojvodina in northern Serbia: from week to week we are seeing these numbers grow, with a particular increase in people coming from Afghanistan. Our team is currently focused on supporting people on the move with essential clothing and hygiene items, as well as providing basic first aid and laundry and shower services. In addition, we document and share the abuse they suffer at the hands of border police and other authorities to the Border Violence Monitoring Network.

Violent and sustained illegal push-backs at Serbia’s borders take place on a daily basis. People on the move are regularly stripped of all of their possessions and are frequently left with debilitating injuries. With little access to proper hygiene and sanitation, many of them suffer from scabies and other preventable diseases. The need for hygiene items and clothing is therefore extremely high, and will only continue to grow with the coming winter, where temperatures will regularly drop below zero degrees for several weeks on end. 

Collective Aid is a small volunteer-led organisation, and one of very few grassroots NGOs to operate in northern Serbia. We do not spend donations on salaries or marketing budgets. All donations to this appeal will contribute directly to supporting people on the move access the essential services they need to survive in a hostile environment. Donating just 5$ (£3.60 or 4,20€) can provide 20 pairs of socks; 10$ (£7.20 or 8,45€) can provide 6 pairs of clean underwear; 20$ (£14.50 or 17€) buys 12 women sanitary towels and 50$ (£36 or 42€) can buy 7 tracksuits. With your support, we can give people on the move in Serbia the essential services and dignity they deserve. Please join us.