The Farnesina continues its action to protect minors in Ukraine, especially orphans in conflict areas. The coordination group on Ukrainian minors, launched last week and chaired by Minister Bonetti with the participation of Minister Di Maio and Deputy Minister Sereni, was established to reach a more effective collaboration among the institutions and many organizations of the Italian civil society that have taken action these days.
Constant interaction with UN organizations and agencies engaged on the ground is just as crucial, especially with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In parallel with the Ukrainian consular network in Italy, the Farnesina has involved UNHCR and IOM in every coordination forum activated to monitor migration flows and assist Ukrainian refugees and, among them, the most vulnerable categories, especially minors. Among the initiatives implemented, UNHCR is committed to developing a vademecum to be used by the Italian police to help identify unaccompanied minors upon arrival at the border, while IOM will provide information material in Ukrainian to help victims of violence or trafficking. To prevent unaccompanied minors from being exposed to the risk of exploitation or abuse, they must be reported to the Ministry of Labour in order to be registered and monitored.
With the support of the Italian diplomatic network, Caritas and The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are implementing initiatives in Ukraine aimed at transferring, as soon as possible, orphans in Ukrainian institutes to safe places in neighbouring Countries. The Civil Protection is also considering the possibility of organizing special flights to bring Ukrainian children to Italy, giving priority to those in need of medical care that can be provided by Italian hospitals.
The Farnesina is also carrying on with its constant commitment and contacts to protect the safety of minors awaiting adoption and their transfer to safe places.
According to the latest data available, over 8,500 minors have arrived in Italy since the beginning of the conflict.