(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JAN 4 - The European Commission has announced an additional 3.5 million euro in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable refugees and migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday. More than 1,700 refugees and migrants remain without appropriate shelter and support in Una Sana canton, facing a "humanitarian disaster," the EU said, recalling that after the closure of the reception centre in Lipa, 900 people are currently on the former campsite and 800 refugees and migrants are staying outdoors in harsh winter conditions.

"The situation in Una Sana canton is unacceptable. Winter-proof accommodations are a pre-requisite for humane living conditions, which need to be ensured at all times. Local authorities need to make existing facilities available and provide a temporary solution until Lipa camp is rebuilt into a permanent facility," said High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell. "The EU's humanitarian assistance will provide the people in distress with access to basic items as an immediate alleviation to their current plight. However, long-term solutions are urgently needed. We urge the authorities not to leave people out in the cold, without access to sanitary facilities in the midst of a global pandemic," Borrell noted. (ANSA).