In Focus: Refugees battle sub-zero temperatures and starvation on Serbian border just to reach EU

IBTimes UK travelled to Serbia to investigate the conditions of refugees from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, who hope to reach the European Union to start a new life free from war, persecution and poverty. IBTimes UK visited the Berkasovo-Bapska crossing point, where thousands of refugees had to wait for hours in the freezing cold before being able to cross into Croatia and continue their journey.

Johan Eldebo, senior humanitarian policy adviser at World Vision UK, explained that freezing temperatures will make the journey to EU even harder for thousands of refugees who, he said, "are trapped in the middle of nowhere" along the border with Croatia.

As the Berkasovo-Bapska crossing point is due to be closed this week, refugees are now being transferred from the border with Macedonia to the Šid train station, where they can board trains that will take them to the Croatian transit centre near the city of Slavonski Brod.

World Vision, as well as other NGOs, have been providing winter material, food as well as psychological assistance to refugees, whose journeys are negatively impacted by harsh weather conditions as well as lack of food, winter clothing, and adequate facilities.

IBTimes UK travelled to Serbia courtesy of World Vision UK. Click here for more information about the World Vision UK refugee crisis appeal.