As with all children forced from their homes by war or conflict, Ukrainian children who arrive in neighboring countries face significant danger of violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking. Children in Ukraine are desperate for safety, stability, and protection services, particularly if they are not accompanied or separated from their families.
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WE teams work alongside UNHCR and other partners to mobilize support for refugee and displaced children fleeing to Moldova, Poland and Belarus.
What is a Blue Dot hub?
WE and UNHCR, along with local authorities and partners, established ‘Blue Dots’ as safe spaces at border crossings in neighboring countries. They provide vital information and services for children and their families. Blue Dot hubs offer refugees critical information and support for their journeys. They help to identify and register children who are travelling alone, connect them with protection services, and offer referral services for women, including for gender-based violence.
Blue Dot hubs offer children a safe and welcoming place to play, rest and be children at a time of panic and fear. They are also facing the trauma and loss of family and friends.
They will be where they are supposed to be.
WE and its partners plan to establish hubs in Poland, Moldova and Belarus, as well as Hungary, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Belarus and Belarus. They will be located near major refugee entry points, registration sites, and some urban centers. Blue Dot Hubs work closely with local and national authorities at selected strategic locations, and in collaboration with UNHCR or other protection partners. Blue Dot hubs are designed to bring together and build upon existing services, where possible. Otherwise, a new hub is created to provide these essential services.
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What kind of support can women and children get?
Blue Dot hubs provide essential services provided by WE or other agencies such as:
Families on the move will find information and advice desks that can help them learn about the support and services they have available as refugees. This includes assistance from humanitarian agencies, civil societies organizations, host countries and other international organizations. Families are also informed about their rights under international humanitarian laws.
Children-friendly spaces allow children to relax, play, and receive psychosocial support from trained staff. There are separate spaces/activities available for adolescents and young children to meet their specific needs.
Family reunification
Services are available to help restore and maintain family contact and protect children. These services provide information about how to prevent families from traveling apart.
Counselling and psychosocial support are available for parents/caregivers and children who have experienced trauma or stress. Unaccompanied or separated children may need additional support from social workers, psychologists, and other professionals.
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Referral services are available to help refugees who have been victims of violence, or are suffering from health conditions that require special support. WE and its partners can also use Blue Dots to identify vulnerable children or women and to refer them to specialized services. Families, single mothers, or children at high risk include unaccompanied children, children with disabilities, children with illnesses, victims of trafficking, or survivors of gender-based or sexual violence.
You can find safe areas to sleep that allow people with special needs to rest temporarily or to be referred for longer-term emergency accommodation.
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For children with disabilities and children who are extremely vulnerable, emergency items such as blankets, clothing, hygiene products, and blankets can be used.
