The world must actively participate in providing medical and emergency care to the victims of the Ukraine protected by peacekeepers.
Having worked with health care organizations in war torn Lebanon and Somalia, I have seen first hand the important role that peace keepers play in defending health care and humanitarian workers.”
— Dr. Paul Saba
MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA, March 22, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — The world must actively participate in providing medical and emergency care to the victims of the Ukraine protected by peacekeepers. We must be Good Samaritans by caring for our Ukraine neighbours. We must not hesitate. Time is of the essence.Having worked with non governmental health care organizations in war torn Lebanon and Somalia, I have seen first hand the important role that peace keepers play in defending health care and humanitarian workers as they tend to the needs of war victims.
In 1983, I opened and operated a medical clinic in Lebanon protected by the international peacekeeping forces of the United States, France, United Kingdom and Italy. These peacekeepers were sent at the request of the Lebanese government and not under the auspices of the United Nations.
In 1993, I volunteered in Somalia to provide emergency care under the protection of the UNISOM forces.
It was clear during these dangerous situations, that medical care could only be provided safely when healthcare workers were protected by peacekeepers.
I recall working with a mobile healthcare clinic in an area of Mogadishu Somalia called “Bermuda.” The name was appropriated from the “Bermuda Triangle” because it was said that anyone visiting the area risked not coming out alive. We were escorted there by the US armed forces who protected us while we cared for our patients. Gunfire could be heard as the soldiers defended us from attacking gangs.
It is clear that during and after the war in Ukraine, victims will need medical care.
Immediate medical support is needed urgently with the unfortunate but inevitable soldier’s injuries on both sides of the conflict as well as the immediate injuries to civilian women, men and children.
Major collateral damage occurs to a war torn population in the aftermath of the conflict because of disease, malnutrition, unsanitary conditions and the loss of access to food and clean water.
We must also ensure support for mental illness such as depression, violence and suicide in the long term.
Medical and humanitarian aid can only be provided safely with the protection of peacekeepers.
This can happen either with or without the support of the United Nations. If a peacekeeping force is not approved by the United Nations, these peacekeepers can be constituted by a multinational force possibly by non aligned countries from India or Africa. Obviously both Russia and the Ukraine must approve.
It is imperative that we act immediately.
Dr. Paul Saba is a family physician working in Montreal Canada. He has who has worked and trained both in Canada and the United States where he holds dual citizenships as well as internationally. He is cofounder and President of the Coalition of Physicians for Social Justice (coalitionmd.ca). He is author of Made to Live, a physician’s journey to save lives (madetolive.com). pauljsaba@madetolive.com 514-886-3447
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p class=”contact c5″ dir=”auto”>Dr. Paul Saba Coalition of Physicians for Social Justice +1 514-886-3447 paulsaba@madetolive.com
Commission proposes temporary
protection for people fleeing war
in Ukraine
From Monday to Thursday, Parliament is organising the “Ukraine Solidarity Days” to show its support for Ukraine’s parliament following the Russian invasion.
While seeking to support Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in defending freedom, peace and democracy, the events taking place this week also aim to address the Ukrainian parliament’s capacity to cope with the unprecedented challenges it is facing following Russia’s assault. In addition, MEPs and invited speakers will elaborate on ways to preserve both the Verkovna Rada’s political and institutional functioning.
Different events organised to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine will take place in the European Parliament in Brussels throughout the week.
These include discussions on the political and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, as well as plenary debates. Participants expected to address MEPs, in-person or remotely, include Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič and former European Parliament President Pat Cox.
The Ukraine Solidarity Days also encompass outreach to young people and civil society in Ukraine, as well as reporting from and interaction with Sakharov Prize laureate Lorent Saleh from the Polish-Ukrainian border.
More information on the sessions and timeslots is available in the programme.
Two weeks ago, Parliament launched a new website in cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada, with information on how the EU has supported Ukraine since 2014. It provides the latest news, videos and podcasts, relevant legislation and resolutions to show how the EU is helping Ukraine. Content from the Ukrainian parliament could also be shared on the site.
Actively supporting EU efforts to promote democracy and human rights in the world is one of Parliament’s core responsibilities.
An international event – like the World Water Forum that is taking place in the Senegalese capital, Dakar – helps draw the attention of the international community to the problems related to the precious dwindling resource, says Archbishop Michael Banach, Apostolic Nuncio to Senegal. He made the observation on the sidelines of the Forum, which kicked off on Monday, the eve of World Water Day. The March 21 to 26 international event, on the theme, “Water security for peace and development”, is addressing the global challenges for humanity and nature, today and tomorrow.
The apostolic nuncio said the Forum will also help sensitize the international community regarding the problem of water in Africa:
“As we know, Africa has a lot of Saharan countries, Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a lack of water. And so with the lack of water, you also deal with development issues, health issues and the like. So, the Forum will also bring some attention to the importance of water and water management on the availability of water resources on the continental level of Africa, but also in Senegal.”
Senegal faces challenges regarding drinking water, the availability of water, and drought. The archbishop hopes the discussions during the Forum will translate into “some concrete and practical initiatives to bring help and aid to local populations”.
Vatican delegation at Forum
Cardinal Michael Czerny, the interim prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, who is participating in the Forum on behalf of the Holy See, read a message of Pope Francis on the opening day.
In the message, the Pope said that water is a precious asset for peace. The right to drinking water and sanitation, he said, is closely linked to the right to life, which is rooted in the inalienable dignity of the human person and in constitutes a condition for the exercise of other human rights.
Senegal Church’s commitment
Archbishop Banach expressed appreciation for the social commitment of the Church in Senegal. “The Church is present in the social sector dealing with all kinds of questions related to social justice, and certainly one of those questions is water.”
A practical example in this regard, he said, is the artesian well located in the parish property, which provides water to all the inhabitants of the village. It is also a response that touches on the question of inter-religious dialogue.
Inter-faith dialogue
In Senegal, Christians are in the minority: Catholics are probably 5 to 7 percent of the population and most of the rest are Muslims. These wells, which are the property of Catholic parishes, are open to everybody.
Catholics, Muslims, and members of the traditional communities are all welcome to draw water. The Vatican diplomat regarded this as “a concrete manifestation of inter-religious dialogue, in the good relations that exist between the other two faiths here in Senegal.”
State’s responsibility
He also spoke about the obligation of the state to respond to the basic needs of the citizens, such as security, health, food, etc. And the question of water comes within the area of health and food security issues.
Archbishop Banach said the state has the obligation to ensure that there is sufficient drinking water and sufficient water for crops because the country has to be fed.
Church’s prophetic role
The Church, added the nuncio, can be a prophetic voice in calling attention to certain issues, like bringing concrete development to underdeveloped villages, a role that the Church in Senegal is carrying out.
Archbishop Banach also appreciated the good relations between the Church and state in Senegal. He pointed out that it was President Macky Sall who extended a personal invitation to Pope Francis for a high-level delegation of the Holy See at the World Water Forum, which is led by Cardinal Czerny.
“It is the first time that a cardinal has actually participated in a water forum,” the nuncio said.
The Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development of the Parliamentary Assembly unanimously adopted a draft resolution, as well as a draft recommendation to European governments in line with their obligations under international law, and urged it to be inspired by the work of the UN Convention for persons with disabilities.
The committee pointed out that the UN had clearly shifted to a human rights-based approach to disability which underlined equality and inclusion. Based on a report from its Rapporteur, Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman, the committee laid out a number of recommendations specifically addressing the scene in European countries.
The committee proposed that laws authorising institutionalisation of people with disabilities be progressively repealed, as well as mental health legislation allowing for treatment without consent and detention based on impairment, with a view to ending coercion in mental health. Governments should develop adequately-funded strategies, with clear time-frames and benchmarks, for a genuine transition to independent living for persons with disabilities.
“Persons with disabilities are often presumed to be unable to live independently. This is rooted in widespread misconceptions, including that persons with disabilities lack the ability to make sound decisions for themselves, and that they need ‘specialised care’ provided for in institutions,” the committee pointed out.
“In many cases, cultural and religious beliefs may also feed such stigma, as well as the historical influence of the eugenic movement. For too long, these arguments have been used to wrongfully deprive persons with disabilities of their liberty and segregate them from the rest of the community, by placing them in institutions” the parliamentarians added.
More than one million Europeans affected
In its resolution, the Committee noted that: “Placement in institutions affects the lives of more than a million Europeans and is a pervasive violation of the right as laid down in Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which calls for firm commitment to deinstitutionalisation.”
Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman explained to the European Times that there are quite some differences between the European states, for example in one country there has been a very high rate of institutionalisation of children.
She noted that in this country a process of reform, as well as a commitment to the transformation of its national care system, had been initiated following longstanding pressure. Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman however added, that with this another concern over the fact that institutions had been shut down without any proper community-based alternatives had come to light. A key challenge is to ensure that the process of deinstitutionalisation itself is carried out in a way that is human rights compliant.
Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman stressed, that the European States must allocate adequate resources for support services that enable persons with disabilities to live in their communities. This requires amongst other things a redistribution of public funds from institutions to strengthen, create, and maintain community-based services.
To this extent the Committee in its resolution pointed out that, “Measures must be taken to combat this culture of institutionalisation resulting in social isolation and segregation of persons with disabilities, including at home or in the family, preventing them from interacting in society and being included in the community.”
Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman explained, “Ensuring that there are proper community-based care services available for persons with disabilities, and thus a smooth transition, is pivotal for a successful deinstitutionalisation process.”
Systemic approach to deinstitutionalisation with an aim needed
A systemic approach to the process of deinstitutionalisation is needed in order to achieve good results. Disability has been linked to homelessness and poverty in several studies.
She added, “The aim is not mere deinstitutionalisation of the persons with disabilities, but genuine transition to independent living in accordance with Article 19 of the CRPD, General comment No. 5 (2017) of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on living independently and being included in the community, and the upcoming Guidelines on deinstitutionalization of persons with disabilities, including in emergency situations.”
The transformation of residential institutional services is only one element of a wider change in areas such as health care, rehabilitation, support services, education and employment, as well as in the societal perception of disability and the social determinants of health. Simply relocating individuals into smaller institutions, group homes or different congregated settings is insufficient and is not in accordance with international legal standards.
The report is due to be debated by the Assembly at its April session when it will take a final position.
A new report and resolution which was considered and adopted in the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe this Thursday stress the need of human rights compliant mental health legislation. The resolution re-state the commitment of the Parliamentary Assembly towards ending coercion in mental health.
The parliamentary author of the report, Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman, told the European Times, that the report is on deinstitutionalisation of persons with disabilities. And she added, but it’s also a follow-up to my last report on “Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach”, which led to the unanimous adoption of Resolution 2291 and Recommendation 2158 in 2019, and which were also supported by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.
“While this report is not the place to analyse the legal text on the protection of persons subjected to involuntary measures in psychiatry, that currently is being considered by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, in any depth, I believe it is my duty to recall that this Protocol, in the eyes of the Assembly, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, the responsible UN mechanisms and bodies, and representative organisations of persons with disabilities and civil society organisations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, goes in the wrong direction,” Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman noted.
In the report, she added that the adoption of the legal text (additional protocol) on involuntary measures “would make the deinstitutionalisation of persons in mental health care services more difficult. This is why my report will touch upon this issue.”
Vulnerable individuals
The reports laid out, that persons with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. It noted that Institutionalisation in and of itself should be recognised as a human rights violation.
“Being placed in institutions further puts persons with disabilities at risk of systemic and individual human rights violations and many experience physical, mental, and sexual violence. They are also often subjected to neglect and severe forms of restraint and/or “therapy”, including forced medication, prolonged isolation, and electroshocks,” Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman pointed out.
She explained, “Many persons with disabilities are wrongfully deprived of their legal capacity, making it difficult to contest the treatment they receive and their deprivation of liberty, as well as their living arrangements.”
Ms Reina de Bruijn-Wezeman added, “Unfortunately, several Council of Europe member States still hesitate to close down residential institutions and develop community-based services for persons with disabilities, arguing that institutional care is necessary for persons with multiple or ‘profound’ disabilities, or for persons of ‘unsound mind’ (as the ECHR calls them) on the spurious grounds that they may pose a danger to public safety or that their own interests may necessitate their detention in an institution.”
Committee call on stakeholders to not endorse text on involuntary placement
Following a nearly two-year-long investigation and work which included a public hearing composed of three sessions the Committee now unanimously adopted the report and a resolution based on the findings.
“in line with its unanimously adopted Resolution 2291 (2019) and Recommendation 2158 (2019) on ‘Ending coercion in mental health: the need for a human rights-based approach’, the Assembly calls on all stakeholders, including Council of Europe member States governments and parliaments, not to support or endorse draft legal texts which would make successful and meaningful deinstitutionalisation more difficult, and which go against the spirit and the letter of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – such as the draft Additional Protocol to the Oviedo Convention concerning the protection of human rights and dignity of persons with regard to involuntary placement and involuntary treatment within mental health care services. Instead, it calls on them to embrace and apply the paradigm shift of the CRPD and fully guarantee the fundamental human rights of all persons with disabilities.”
The report is due to be debated by the Assembly at its April session when it will take a final position.
Bashy Quraishy: Secretary General – EMISCO -European Muslim Initiative for Social Cohesion
Thierry Valle: Director – CAP LC – Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience.
Human beings have always sought asylum and refuge outside their own homeland for several reasons. It could be due to war- external or civil, invasion and occupation by another state, political oppression, abuse of minority rights, religious or cultural persecution and the list is endless.
Since refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world, soon after the WW2, international community worked out the 1951 Refugee Convention and later its 1967 Protocol. These are the key legal documents that form the basis of UNHCR’s work. With 149 State parties to either or both, they define the term ‘refugee’ and outlines the rights of refugees, as well as the legal obligations of States to protect them.
One recent example is the present conflict and war between Ukraine and Russia.
Since the war started on 26th February 2022, millions of innocent citizens of Ukraine have fled their homes to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, like Poland, Romania, Moldova as well as other Western countries, including Denmark.
Political reactions
Denmark has in the past received and welcomed refugees from faraway countries like Korea, Vietnam, Eretria, Chile, Iran, Somalia, South Africa, Iraq, Bosnia, Palestine, Afghanistan and many more areas where civil war or political oppression was well known. The Danish state, media and public in general treated all these groups in a very humane manner. Denmark lived up to its international reputation of a humanistic society that opened its doors to people in need.
Unfortunately, in the last 4 decades, some far right political parties and racist movements did succeed in creating a negative atmosphere in the Danish society towards refugees from Africa and Middle East, especially groups with Muslim background. The welcoming and supportive attitudes and inclusive laws were tightened-slowly but surely. One Government after the other publicly proclaimed that Denmark must strive towards a Zero refugee policy.
In 2015, a sudden influx of Syrian refugees was dealt with iron fist. They were put in detention centres, were not allowed to work, children could not go to school and social benefits were minimal. Because of the restrictions, many refugees including kids developed mental sickness. On top of this, Jewellery Act was passed that allowed the state to confiscate valuable possessions, like watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces made of gold and even cash from Syrians refugees on arrival.
UN agencies, Amnesty International, Open Society, Human Rights Watch, Danish and foreign NGOs criticised Danish treatment of refugees, but this was rejected outright.
The sudden arrival of Ukrainian refugees
In these dire circumstances and negativity towards refugees, the war between Russia and Ukraine resulted in the arrival to Denmark of few thousand people from Ukraine. Suddenly, the ever-present hostility towards non-European refugees and minorities groups turned into smiles, for Ukrainians. The pro-Ukraine media discussions, politician’s love, public sympathy, and visible government support to quickly accommodate this new group was a breath of fresh air.
Within few weeks, a broad political agreement for a special law also called the Ukrainian Act was introduced to ensure the Ukrainians stay in Denmark. Politicians called this special law as historic. On 15 March 2022, a broad majority in the Danish Parliament passed this special law. According to the government, this law is meant to normalize the Ukrainians’ everyday lives and make them part of Danish society as soon as possible.
Who is covered by the law and what rights do they get?
From 15.3.22, Ukrainian refugees who come to Denmark will be treated under this new law, which from day one, would ensure them a residence permit, access to the labour market, welfare, and education in Denmark outside the general asylum rules.
The special law covers all Ukrainians who left Ukraine on 24 February 2022 or later and resided in the country before departure. If you are in a situation where a close family member has been granted residence in Denmark, you can also obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. Under this special law, Ukrainians can apply for a residence permit.
Surprisingly, this special law is one of the exceptions in Danish law. The government claims that it is the unique circumstances that make the historic Ukrainian law necessary.
Why this new law is discriminatory?
Danish politicians, media, academics, and even analysts have been arguing that a special Refugee Law for Ukrainians was necessary because they come from a nearby country, are civilised, have a common culture, same religion and do not differ in appearance. In simple words, it means that the protection rights of an Afghan, a Syrian, people from African continent and from other part of the globe, are less important because they are not White and Christian.
It is worth noting that UN Refugees Convention, UN Convention on Human Rights, European Convention on Human Rights and even EU’s own Equality Directives clearly make no distinction between people. According to the UN Refugee Convention, refugees are not supposed to face discrimination based on race, religion or country of origin.
This new law would make sure that Ukrainians who are coming to Denmark are officially termed as Refugees, would be offered normal accommodation in various municipalities, are allowed to enter labour market soon after, they have arrived, their children can go to kindergarten, and schools, would have free access to medical care and welfare benefits. Jewellery act, which was passed and used for Syrian refugees would not be applicable to Ukrainians.
To any peace-loving person who cares and campaigns for human rights, such positive treatment of Ukrainian refugees is a positive step in the right direction. They must be helped. There are no two opinions on that issue.
The problem comes up when, we see that all these facilities are not available to asylum seekers and refugees from other countries. One group is treated via express procedure, while other groups linger in refugee centres for years and some are being deported to their homelands.
That is a clear violation of all conventions, is against morality and actually would ferment an already discriminatory and poisonous atmosphere in Denmark. That is not a wise signal to send for a society that calls itself democratic and prides in being a defender of human rights.
The UN has helped tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees to cross into Poland and other neighbouring countries. Chris Melzer, spokesperson for the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Germany, told UN News that he has witnessed many traumatic scenes, of families ripped apart by the crisis.
“I have witnessed many difficult things since this conflict began. I saw tens of thousands of refugees and around 90 per cent of them were women and children. Their tales are very similar, of being woken up by the sounds of bombs and grenades, grabbing some belongings like their passports, maybe a little money, or a plush animal for the children.
One of them, a little girl called Paulina, had a little fox. She hugged the toy as if it was the most precious thing in the world.
At the peak, around 140,000 people were crossing into Poland every day. The figure has dropped, but there are still so many people seeking protection in Poland.
We’re present at the borders with Ukraine, where we are monitoring the situation, helping the authorities and the NGOs working there. We talk with border guards. we are talking with volunteers with NGOs, with the government. And first and foremost, we listen to the refugees.
Very often they had to wait for days at the border, especially during the first ten days, many of them sitting in unheated cars in freezing temperatures, around minus five degrees Celsius.
Many others arrived by bus or train, and then they had to walk several kilometres to the border. I saw families arrive at the border, and then the father would hug his wife, hug his children, and then go back to Kyiv, or wherever he came from. These were heart-breaking scenes.
When I spoke to the refugees, the most common question I heard from the mothers was “when can we go home”. And the children would say “I miss my daddy so much”. That was very difficult to hear.
Once the refugees have crossed the border, they go to one of the reception centres at the crossing points, where they can find some food, a bed, and usually an internet connection so that they contact their loved ones. The centres are usually in schools or sports halls, but at least it’s warm.
From there, they try to find something to stay for a couple of weeks. Most stay in Poland, but others head to other countries, such as Germany.
It’s important for other countries to share the burden, rather than leaving Poland and other countries near Ukraine, such as Romania, Moldova and Slovakia, to cope: this is a European and international crisis. The good news is that we are seeing other European Union countries willing to help.
Chris Melzer/Chris Wolf
UNCHR senior spokesperson Chris Melzer
UNCHR senior spokesperson Chris Melzer, by Chris Melzer/Chris Wolf
How to help Ukrainian refugees
I am impressed by the solidarity of volunteers and local organizations that are providing food, transport and accommodation. However, I would ask that individuals contact an NGO, or even better the authorities in their country if they want to do something, because their help will be much more coordinated and efficient.
For example, we work with the Red Cross in Poland and Ukraine, as well as other NGOs who are doing a great job. We couldn’t do our work without them.
The fastest and most efficient way to help is by donating money. People can also open their doors to refugees. Doing so would be one of the most important experiences in your lives.
More than two million Ukrainian refugees in about two weeks. is unprecedented. It’s a huge challenge but the solidarity seen in so many countries has been enormous, so I’m confident that we will cope.
Reminder of dark times in Europe
When I saw these people I was reminded of my mother. She was nine years old in 1945, when she had to flee the Second World War. She is now 86, and she’s been sitting in front of the TV for sixteen, eighteen hours per day for the last two weeks, absolutely shocked, seeing her childhood suddenly in full HD and colour again here.
She’s been crying the whole day, and she asks me, when will it stop, how can it stop. And I have no idea. I have no answer to that.”
Short track horse racing in the public streets of the Netherlands has earned recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
HEEMSKERK, THE NETHERLANDS, March 23, 2022 – A spectacular type of horse racing in the public streets of the Netherlands has earned recognition as intangible cultural heritage (ICH, a qualification derived from the description in the 2012 UNESCO Convention). More than 25 of these races are being held annually in as many towns and villages in the Netherlands. In several communities, these traditional events have been held and fostered for hundreds of years, the oldest races dating back to at least the 1750s.
To date, 13 races on the calendar have been registered in the Dutch Cultural Heritage Inventory, with the aim to conserve them for future generations within the local communities.
Horses competing in street race in the town of Medemblik
Horses competing in street race in the town of Medemblik
The most remarkable characteristic of these short track harness races, in which the horses are pulling a sulky with a driver on it, is that they are not held on the typical oval racetracks: instead, once every year in every location, a stretch of 300 metres of public street is prepared with sand tracks to ensure safe trotting paths for the horses. The tracks are fenced off, so audiences of thousands of enthusiasts can watch the races from close by. Up to 24 horses compete in every event, racing in pairs in a knockout race scheme all the way to the finals to decide a winner and a runner-up.
Professional sport The races are supervised by the Dutch Trotting and Flatracing Association and all have to comply with very specific requirements and regulations with regards to the health and safety of horses, participants and the public. Veterinary supervision, professional betting facilities and electronic start and finish monitoring are also in place to ensure the integrity of the sports. As the street races are commonly held in town centers, they typically attract thousands of spectators who are not regular visitors of race tracks. Therefore, short track harness racing in the Netherlands is commonly considered to also promote the broader range of equestrian sports in the country.
Gerard Post Uiterweer Dutch Short Track Harness Racing Association info@kortebaanbond.nl
Video impression of a short track race and surrounding festival in the town of Heemskerk
Standing Corps officers will assist Moldovan authorities in processing the massive number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
2022-03-21
Following the signing of status agreement last Thursday between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex, the Agency has just signed with Moldavian authorities the Operational Plan allowing the start of Frontex Joint Operation in Moldova.
The aim of the Joint Operation (JO) Moldova is to provide increased technical and operational assistance to the host country, by coordinating operational activities on the territory and under the control of the authorities of the Republic of Moldova.
Frontex standing corps officers will assist Moldovan authorities in processing the massive number of people fleeing the war in Ukraine and crossing the border with Moldova, and perform other border control-related tasks if needed. They include border control officers and document experts.
The operation’s goals are also to control illegal immigration flows, tackle cross-border crime and to enhance European cooperation and law enforcement activities. JO Moldova is implemented within the Multipurpose Operational Activities in Third Countries. Currently there are already 18 standing corps officers pre-deployed in Moldova and the operation will see the deployment of up to 84 standing corps officers and document inspection devices to support border checks.
Council adopts decision to sign agreement for Frontex operational support with Moldova in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The Council adopted last Thursday a decision on the signing of a status agreement between the EU and the Republic of Moldova regarding operational activities carried out by Frontex.
A status agreement will allow Frontex to assist Moldova in border management, through the deployment of teams which can support Moldovan authorities in tasks such as registration and border checks.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over 300 000 refugees have entered Moldova and the number continues to grow. Moldovan border management authorities are facing the challenge of regulating this influx of refugees while monitoring a border with an active war zone.
The EU is currently providing support to these efforts through an existing working arrangement with Frontex concluded in 2008, which allows for information exchange, training and coordination of certain joint operational measures. On 14 March 2022, the Council authorised the opening of negotiations on a status agreement, which will allow for additional operational support to quickly respond to the current challenges.
According to UIC data from UNESCO, of all regions, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates of education exclusion. Over one-fifth of children between the ages of about 6 and 11 are out of school. Almost 60% of youth between the ages of about 15 and 17 are not in school.
“Through Education, we can help change the fate of street children”, said Lawrence Patrick, Founder of Mehiel Foundation.
Mehiel Foundation proudly announced the official opening of Wisdom Prep School / School in Bulenga, Uganda. In collaboration with CELEDI-Ug,the charity’s longstanding trusted partner, the school is now running 5 classes to provide proper education to over 70 pupils aged from 5-7. Though hunger and malnutrition remain underprivileged children’s daily struggle, they can now dream and build their own bright future. Prior to the new school opening locally, young children can worry less any hidden danger in their long-distance walk to school located in the next village. Local teachers, who share the same vision, not only earn a job opportunity, but a chance to give back to their own community. The charity wishes 150 pupils can earn a chance to read next year with generous support from the donors.
Last year, Mehiel Foundation has opened a Vocational School for Girls in the Wakiso District in Uganda. Girls of all ages can now learn baking, tailoring, hairdressing, cosmetics and computer skills to earn for a living, go independent and change fate of her family.
About MEHIEL FOUNDATION
Mehiel Foundation is a small charitable organisation based in Oxfordshire, UK, founded in 2010, which has undertaken 33 projects in 14 countries around the world. Its primary aim is to tackle the underlying causes of poverty and social injustice, in order to deliver lasting change in the lives of poor and vulnerable people.
For more information, please visit https://mehiel.org or follow Mehiel Foundation on social media.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of Mehiel Foundation, on Monday 21 March, 2022. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/
