UNHCR and UNICEF open Blue Dot Refugee Support Centers in Ukraine
National authorities provide quick access to the site and support, and volunteers provide vital assistance from the outset of the conflict. State organizations, local authorities, non-governmental organizations and civil society work hand in hand and with the help of refugees from Ukraine.
The Blue Dot Center supports these efforts and is located in places where professionals from the Bulgarian Red Cross, BHC, SZBB and other active organizations offer legal assistance and consultations, identify services for people with disabilities, provide information on available services and rights, psychological and psychosocial support, has a children’s playground that offers games and entertainment for children.
The crisis with the refugees from Ukraine is also the crisis for the protection of women and girls.
Conflict and displacement increase the risk of gender-based violence, human trafficking, abuse, psychological trauma and separation from family. Having in mind the profile of refugees by gender – 92% of refugees from Ukraine in Bulgaria with women and children, this risk is reduced.
Information and services for vulnerable women and children, victims of gender-based violence and other vulnerable wireless can be found at the Blue Dot Center.
UN agencies also plan to open such centers at the border checkpoint in Ruse, as well as in Varna and Burgas in the coming weeks.