Bosnia-Herzegovina/Croatia: Maljevac border crossing reopens October 30 /update 1

Event

Croatian border police reopened the Maljevac border crossing on Tuesday, October 30, several days after migrants clashed with security forces, prompting its closure on October 24. Hundreds of migrants had reportedly erected makeshift camps at the crossing, although police have since relocated the group to the neighboring village of Velika Kladuša without incident. A heightened security presence and associated disruptions are to be expected at the Maljevac border crossing in the near-term.

Context

Hundreds of migrants clashed with security forces at the Maljevac border crossing on October 23-24 after false information spread suggesting that Croatia, an EU member state, would allow them in. Between 3000 to 5000 migrants also reside in the nearby city of Bihac, where anti-migrant protests took place as recently as October 22. Human rights groups have increased their calls for additional provisions, including adequate shelters, for migrants as winter approaches. Tensions between migrants and locals will likely remain high along the Bosnian-Croatian border in the coming months as it is unlikely the national governments will agree to process or relocate the migrant population in a timely manner.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to avoid any potential protests as a precaution and seek alternate travel arrangements if necessary.