Partnerships for Every Child operates at the “Blue Dot” first aid center

Partnerships for Every Child operates at the “Blue Dot” first aid center in Palanca, Ștefan Vodă, within a project financially supported by UNICEF.

Today, children from Ukraine who have fled the war and sought refuge in neighboring countries are exposed to a major risk of violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. At present, more than ever, they need safety, stability, and protection. In this context, UNICEF teams are working alongside other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to mobilize and provide all necessary support to children and families who have chosen to seek refuge in the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Romania, Belarus, and other countries.

What are “Blue Dot” first aid centers?

“Blue Dots” are support centers established and organized by UNICEF and UNHCR, together with central public authorities and development partners. They are located along border crossing points in countries neighboring Ukraine, where refugees receive psychological counseling, information, and other essential services. At the same time, teams of specialists and volunteers ensure the identification and registration of unaccompanied children and women in need of support, providing protection services, including protection from violence. Moreover, the centers are safe and child-friendly spaces where children can rest, play, and receive the support they need to cope more easily with the trauma of war.

Where are the first aid centers located?

“Blue Dot” centers have been opened in Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Belarus, Hungary, and Slovakia, being located along border crossing points. They are organized in coordination with central and local public authorities and development partners, depending on the needs of refugees.

What support services can refugee children and women access?

Within the “Blue Dot” first aid centers, children and women benefit from vital services such as:

• Information for migrant families about the support and services available to them as refugees, including those provided by host states, humanitarian agencies, and civil society organizations. Families are also informed about their rights guaranteed under international humanitarian law.
• Child-friendly spaces where children can rest, play, and take part in structured activities and receive psychosocial support from trained staff, with separate spaces and activities for young children and adolescents, in order to respond to their specific needs.
• Family reunification services to restore and maintain contact with family members and to ensure children’s safety. The Blue Dot centers also provide information on optimal solutions to prevent the separation of families traveling together.
• Counseling and psychological support services for both children and parents/caregivers who may be experiencing significant trauma and stress as a result of their experiences. Psychologists, social workers, and other trained professionals work to identify children who may need additional support, especially unaccompanied or separated children.
• Specialized services for refugees who have experienced violence or who have medical conditions or other circumstances requiring specialized assistance.

The first Blue Dot first aid center was organized by UNICEF and Partnerships for Every Child in Palanca, Ștefan Vodă, at the beginning of March 2022, serving as a first point of contact for children and their families when crossing the border, providing essential services and child- and mother-friendly spaces.

The second center became operational in mid-March at the Refugee Accommodation Center at Moldexpo, and the third at the Otaci border crossing point. Through the Blue Dot centers, UNICEF and its partners can identify vulnerable women and children and connect them with specialized services. Vulnerable categories may include families, single mothers, or children exposed to specific risks, such as unaccompanied children, children with disabilities or illnesses, suspected cases of human trafficking, and survivors of gender-based violence.