IFRC Balkan Migration Route

The Balkan migration route is one of the main transit corridors to Europe for people on the move, and is considered among the most dangerous routes in the world. People moving along this corridor have left their countries for various reasons, such as political, economic, climate change-related reasons (mixed migration).

Many of those newly arrived in Europe are at risk of abuse and exploitation, with women and children facing specific protection risks, including sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking. In this context, the ability to access basic services such as water, food, shelter, health care and protection along the migration routes is essential.

1. Migrants have improved access to humanitarian assistance, protection and access to long term services at key locations of the Balkan Route. Host communities also benefit from improved access to basic services. 

2. National Societies enhance their operational and institutional capacity to respond to migrants’ needs.  

3. National Societies of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia can collectively influence national, regional and global policy change.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

1.1. Humanitarian assistance and protection are provided along Balkan migration routes. 

1.2. Support provided to host communities along migration routes improve social cohesion.

1.3. Integration and inclusion services are provided to migrants residing in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia 

2.1. National Societies’ responses are better adapted to meet the specific needs of migrants resulting in better quality programming 

2.2. National Societies’ collective route-based capacities enhanced in delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection 

2.3. National Societies institutional capacity is enhanced resulting in better responses  

3.1. External and internal coordination mechanisms of National Societies are strengthened  

3.2. Migration data is collected, analysed and supports evidence-based programming, policy development and advocacy efforts 

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

17’500 irregular border crossings in 2024 along Balkan route 

317’000 migrants and 50’300 host community members supported by IFRC 2022 – 2024 in 17 European countries  

2’600 National Society Staff trained 

63 National Society cross-border meetings conducted and 14 tools/approches further developed 

Support to this four-year migration programme complements SDC’s contribution to IFRC in 2021 (CHF 14.9 mio). It contributes to the objectives outlined in the tripartite agreement SDC-IFRCSRC to capacitate National Societies. 

This contribution reinforces synergies with Swiss migration partnerships in Western Balkan countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia).  

Phase 1 01.11.2025 - 31.10.2029   (Active)