Belarus praised for aiding refugees

GRODNO, 3 March (BelTA) - Belarusian regions provide adequate assistance to refugees from conflict zones, BelTA learned from Jean-Yves Bouchardy, Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Republic of Belarus.

“Last year around 100 people applied for refugee status and additional protection in Gomel Oblast. This is the category of citizens, the assistance to whom falls within the purview of our organization. The vast majority of them are citizens of Ukraine. Today's meeting with resettlers from the south-east of the neighboring country showed that the majority of them do not have any particular serious problems in Belarus. It's no wonder. Firstly, there is no language barrier. There are cultural, and many family ties with Belarus. Therefore, in terms of adaptation in the short and long term, the refugees from Ukraine are in a better position than people from other hotspots. However, I think that at the moment the regions provide the necessary assistance to all those who need it,” said Jean-Yves Bouchardy.

When in Grodno, the UNHCR representative is set to meet with families of refugees, with representatives of state bodies and public organizations.

“The Red Cross is our longtime partner that helps assist people the assistance to who is within the purview of our organization. In cooperation with the organization, we provide financial assistance to refugees,” he said. The UNHCR representative also praised the Red Cross projects to issue food and medical care vouchers. “We are also ready to provide help with payments for medical services,” he added.

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