Support for unaccompanied minors seeking international protection

About this project

<p>In 2019 and 2020 IOM took steps to improve situation for support to unaccompanied migrant children (UMC) establishing two safety zones in RCC Sofia - Voenna Rampa and Ovcha Kupel. The two Safety Zones ensure a safe and protective environment for children, where they receive care adapted to their age, gender, religion and cultural background by trained professionals, including social workers, psychologists, legal counsellors, a cultural mediator and interpreters. In order to continue the functioning of the two safety zones, IOM will implement the following activities: Protection Services - Provision of 24/7 social assistance; · Provision of 24/7 physical security; · Provision of interpretation and cultural mediation services; · Provision of social, legal, and psychological support, support with access to GP/medical services, coverage of medical interventions and purchase of medications, as needed; · Organization of information sessions on various topics, including services provided by IOM, rights and obligations while in procedure for international protection, rules of the Safety zone, Dublin family reunification procedure, protection measures against COVID-19, and others. · Provision of support to UMC who attend school; · Distribution of Non food items – clothing, hygiene items and other items, as needed. · Organization of cultural, art and sport activities, field trips to cultural, historical, and natural sites. Maintenance of the material base of the safety zones: · Small repairs and renovation work; · Purchase / replace materials, furniture, and equipment; Coordination · coordination meetings with SAR · Coordinate and ensure complementarity with other partners, including as regards Dublin family reunification procedure Information materials will be designed and produced under the project to be disseminated using the partnership networks of IOM and in the Internet.</p>