Prokuplje, Serbia, 15 March 2022 – The atmosphere in Prokuplje, Serbia, was solemn today, as 20 refugee families received the keys to new apartments built under the Regional Housing Programme (RHP).

In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the event was attended by Nikola Selaković, the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs; Vladimir Cucić, the Serbian Commissioner for Refugees and Migration; Violeta Samardžić, representing UNHCR, and Milan Aranđelović, the Mayor of Prokuplje.

One of the RHP beneficiaries present was Radmila Lazić Dolašević, a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). After losing her parents, Radmila had fled to Serbia, where she met her husband, a displaced person, in Prokuplje, and had a daughter. “We have been living as tenants in very difficult conditions for more than twenty years,” she recalled, adding that they continued to work in the most difficult jobs, but always persevered.  “Now that we have our own roof over our heads, this means a new beginning for my family, and for all of the other beneficiaries who finally have warm homes today,” Radmila pointed out. On behalf of all beneficiaries, she thanked the Donors and everyone who had helped to build these apartments and make their dreams a reality. “Today, we start our new lives. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”

RHP beneficiary Radmila Lazić Dolašević addresses the delivery of keys ceremony, Prokuplje

The funds for the construction of the apartments in Prokuplje were provided from the RHP Fund. The largest Donor to the Fund is the European Union, followed by other key Donors the United States of America, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and Italy. The land and infrastructure for the building were provided by the City of Prokuplje.