Events
UNHCR in Belarus launches program to help refugees amid pandemic
Jean Yves Bouchardy. An archive photo
MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) - The program to help refugees and asylum seekers at a time of the pandemic has been launched in Belarus. The emphasis is on supporting people who have lost their jobs and those working in the healthcare system, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Belarus Jean Yves Bouchardy said at a press conference dedicated to World Refugee Day (20 June), BelTA has learned.
At a time of the coronavirus pandemic, the priority of the humanitarian organization is to continue to fulfill its responsibilities, to provide direct and targeted assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and all those who fall under the purview of the UNHCR, even in the current climate when the pandemic has restricted access to detention facilities where detained migrants are held.
At the end of May, according to Jean Yves Bouchardy, there were about 9,500 refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people in Belarus.
“Over the past few months, we have been monitoring the situation with access to the territory of Belarus and the state procedure of providing protection, so that all those in need should be able to apply for help. We are working closely together with the Internal Affairs Ministry and the State Border Committee and are thankful for this,” Jean Yves Bouchardy said. “We have also launched a program to assist the refugees affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, namely, those who have lost their jobs. We provide direct assistance to them. A total of 32 families and 42 people have received it since the crisis began. Direct assistance has also been provided to 15 families and 25 refugees working in the healthcare system of Belarus. This has been done taking into account the risks they may encounter in these conditions,” Jean Yves Bouchardy said.
An information campaign has been launched to ensure that people know where to seek assistance. The materials, which, in UNHCR's view, will help people to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities in seeking protection or asylum, are translated from different languages. “These materials will be provided with the help of government partners. We see it as important to provide refugees with information on COVID-19 and to ensure that people who have experienced the impact of the situation should know how to access the healthcare system and which organizations to contact for assistance. The same information activities are conducted in response to domestic violence issues,” Jean Yves Bouchardy said.
The UNHCR Representation in Belarus also helps its partners and beneficiaries in the fight against the coronavirus. They continue purchasing personal protective equipment that meets the WHO standards. Jean-Yves Bouchardy was happy to see the readiness and desire of the Belarusian society to stay involved and help each other in order to respond to the pandemic.
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Iskui Abalyan said that as a goodwill ambassador she met and spoke with refugees and displaced persons that sought asylum in Belarus in the past several years. She also stressed that all people, regardless of their status, have the right to be protected, including from the coronavirus. It is important to give everybody access to the necessary healthcare services and correct information, because everyone’s well-being depends on it.
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