The UN has opened centers to support Ukrainians on the Italian-Slovenian border
The UN refugee agency and UNICEF have opened two “blue dots” on the border of the northeastern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia – an area to support minors, women, families and people with special needs fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Both support areas were opened on Thursday (April 21st) in the northeastern Italian province of Friuli Venezia Giulia, at the Slovenian border crossings Fernetti (Trieste) and Tarvisio (Udine).
The so-called “blue dots” were created to support minors, women, families and children with special needs fleeing the war in Ukraine, the UNHCR and UNICEF said in a statement.
According to both organizations, nearly 100,000 refugees have arrived in Italy since the conflict began on February 24, including more than 50,000 women and more than 35,000 children. More than 93,000 refugees crossed the Fernetti and Tarvisio border crossings into Italy.
First aid for the most urgent needs
The Blue Dots Centers have been activated in collaboration with leading humanitarian organizations, including ARCI, DiRe (Women Against Violence Network) and Save the Children. According to the statement, they are supposed to provide a first response “to the most urgent needs of the people who arrive”.
The services offered include the identification and assistance of at-risk minors and persons with special needs who are under the care of local social services. They also include initial psychological and social support and basic legal advice, the organizations said. There are “refreshment points and custom areas for women and children.”
Cardoletti (UNHCR), “concrete answer”
The risk of refugees becoming victims of gender-based violence, trafficking, abuse, psychological trauma or separation from their families is very high, especially given the fact that almost 90% of people fleeing Ukraine are women and children, ”said Chiara Cardoletti, UNHCR Representative for Italy, Holy See and San Marino.
“Because of this, together with our partners, we wanted to give a concrete answer by activating the Blue Dots at the border.”
“In all conflicts, women and children always face special risks. Cooperation between UNICEF, UNHCR and partner organizations is aimed at ensuring a systematic and integrated response by coordinating efforts for the benefit of all refugees and migrants entering,” he said. Anna Riatti, UNICEF Response Coordinator in Italy.