A delegation of AER members visited the Emergency Transit Centre in Timis (RO) on 12 April 2016. They were welcomed by its Director, Mr Filimon Pitea, and Mrs Cornelia Nitu Fratila from UNHCR. Both organisations play a key role on the asylum ‪refugees‬ issues in Romania.

The centre opened its doors in May 2008 as part of a Tripartite Agreement between Romania, UNHCR, and International Organization for Migration (IOM). With room to host up to 200 people, the facility provides temporary shelter to refugees who are in need of immediate evacuation from their first country of refuge. Such evacuations occur when refugees face life-threatening risks – forcible return to areas where they would face persecution, or residence in an unstable, inhumane or dangerous environment. The ETC enables UNHCR to bring refugees to a safe place where they can prepare for resettlement in a new home. The transit centre is also a secure venue where resettlement countries can conduct interviews with refugees, and conclude the final arrangements for providing new homes for these people. Medical examinations and treatment can be carried out in the ETC. Refugees can attend orientation workshops and language courses geared to the countries where they will be resettling.

More about the Timisoara ETC.

Visit the event page to find out about the Commmittee Spring Plenary meetings.