Karin Dom’s Call for Empathy and a Long-term Strategy for Refugee Children

As an organization that fights for respect for human rights, and especially for the most vulnerable, children, we are concerned about what is happening in Afghanistan. The humanitarian crisis we are facing is also a crisis in which we must overcome prejudice and support the most vulnerable.

On behalf of the Karin Dom Foundation, we call on the responsible institutions to seek the best solutions and a long-term vision for the future of refugee children in Bulgaria in a spirit of empathy and solidarity with the tragedy.

OPEN LETTER

TO

Mr. Rumen Radev
President of the Republic of Bulgaria

Mr. Stefan Yanev
Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria

Mrs. Diana Kovacheva
Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria

Mrs. Petya Parvanova
Chairman of the State Agency for Refugees at the Council of Ministers

Mr. Boyko Rashkov
Minister of the Interior

Mr. Georgi Panayotov
Defense Minister

Mr. Nikolai Nikolov
Director, Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Interior

Mrs. Iva Miteva Yordanova-Rupcheva
Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria

Subject: Call to the responsible institutions in Bulgaria for empathy and solidarity with the tragedy of those seeking international protection from Afghanistan. We are particularly concerned about women, unaccompanied and separated children, who are most at risk of violence and in need of medical care. We call for long-term solutions and strategies for refugee children.

DEAR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Over the past week, we have witnessed shocking footage from Afghanistan after the Taliban seized the capital, Kabul, as a result of the withdrawal of international troops from the country. Against the background of this human tragedy, we are concerned about the unprecedented violation of human rights, and especially the rights of women and children, in the 21st century.

We call on the responsible institutions to ensure that the rights of Afghan refugees seeking international protection are respected. Women and girls and children are particularly vulnerable. That is why it is crucial for Afghan citizens to be provided with medical care and appropriate conditions.

In view of the changing and precarious situation in Afghanistan, as well as the escalating humanitarian crisis, we call for a program to be considered and implemented to provide timely support to the most vulnerable, women and children. We are particularly concerned about unaccompanied and separated children, who are most at risk of violence and in need of medical care.

We propose to provide the necessary medical teams, including a pediatrician, to help refugee children. We are particularly concerned about unaccompanied or separated children during their travels. We call for sufficient resources to be found and for legislative gaps to be reconsidered, which make it difficult for children to find lasting solutions and strategies, whether it is their integration in Bulgaria or reunification with their family members in other countries.

The focus of national policies and measures in response to recent developments should be to strengthen the capacity of reception and asylum systems, prepare special measures to meet the impending refugee wave, including humanitarian aid and first-line services for the most vulnerable, with a budget and resources.

On behalf of the Karin Dom Foundation, we call on the responsible institutions to seek the best solutions and a long-term vision for the future of refugees in a spirit of empathy and solidarity with the tragedy of the Afghan people.

We call for compliance with the international obligations of our country and the moral responsibility of our society to the most vulnerable women and children.

Maya Doneva

Executive Director of Karin Dom Foundation

 

Photo Credit: https://www.parents.com/