Moldovan PM visits Blue Dot Center near Otaci border crossing

Chisinau, April 2 / MOLDPRES /- Over 800 people, including about 300 children, have received counseling and information services at the Blue Dot Center set up by UNICEF near Otaci border crossing. Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița visited the center, where she met with UNICEF representatives, employees and volunteers, as well as with beneficiaries, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova Maha Damaj said that an impressive number of children are crossing the border, and the refugee crisis is in fact a child protection crisis. "Together with the Executive, UNICEF is working to keep children safe. We are also focusing on strengthening child protection measures at border crossings and expanding the Blue Dots in all refugee-hosting countries, including the Republic of Moldova, "the UNICEF official said.

Blue Dot specialists provide psychological counseling, legal assistance, and protection services, including against violence. The center's 15 employees also identify women in need of support, unaccompanied children, and the risks to which they are exposed. Moreover, in the center are arranged child-friendly spaces for play and rest and special spaces for mothers with small children.

Gavrilița spoke with the newly arrived people at the center, assuring them that the necessary support will continue to come from the authorities.

"Almost every second refugee in Ukraine is a child. They need special attention and assistance. It is extremely important for them to benefit from recovery and support and to be able to feel a dose of normalcy in this difficult situation for them and their families ", said the prime minister.

So far, three Blue Dot first aid centers have been opened along the border points in our country, receiving over 2,500 children and 2,000 adults. Six centers are to be active in next period to identify urgent needs for social and protection services.

Photo: Government