SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF UNACCOMPANIED AND SEPARATED CHILDRENFLEEING FROM WAR IN UKRAINE (CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47743/asas-2022-2-700Abstract
The article presents an analysis of the actions taken by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova to ensure the safety and protection of unaccompanied children and children taken by third parties from Ukraine as a result of the war. It is based on assessing existing services in Moldova for refugee children from Ukraine and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses in ensuring their protection. The research program included: (i) desk analysis of statistical data and recent reports regarding the situation of people displaced from Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova, with an emphasis on knowing the situation of unaccompanied children and those accompanied by third parties; (ii) carrying out eight in-depth individual interviews with representatives of international organizations, different social service providers, representatives of central and local authorities. The research data presents the involvement of government authorities in the development of the legal framework for the protection of unaccompanied or accompanied children by third parties in Ukraine, following the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, along with the contribution of central and local authorities, international organizations and civil society to the development of services for children-refugees at border crossing points, in refugee placement centers and communities.
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