Statement about the latest developments

In the light of the latest developments in the situation of refugees and asylum seekers in Bulgaria Bordermonitoring is sad to observe its most feared concerns coming true. It became apparent that the solutions to the refugee crisis with regards to accommodation that offered prolonged stays in the centers were temporary and easy to revoke, as we have underlined in our report. The returns to Bulgaria expose refugees and asylum seekers in the country to homelessness and institutional violence (the Head of SAR has warned that the refugees who do not wish to leave the SAR centers will be forced to do so). Thus, countries returning refugees and asylum seekers to Bulgaria not only add to the chaos but they also willingly send people back to a situation which fosters homelessness, economic disparity, and both institutional and physical violence. Meanwhile the Bulgarian authorities have announced the completion of the 33 km long fence on the turkish-bulgarian border.