Minutes of the coordination meeting of civil society organisations on 28 September 2023
The tense situation in Ukraine, with more intense Russian shelling expected from 1 October, requires a coordinated and well-prepared approach to deal with a potential wave of refugees and manage possible situations.
1. NGO involvement in Siret customs:
Role of NGOs: NGOs present at customs play a crucial role in crisis situations. We need to remain active and ready to provide immediate assistance to those arriving at Siret customs. The provision of shelter, food, drinking water, basic medical care and psychological support remain vital to the support of refugees.
Cooperation with the authorities: NGOs remain in close collaboration with the Romanian authorities to coordinate relief efforts and to ensure that resources are distributed efficiently and that refugees receive the help they need as quickly as possible.
2.Possible Ukrainian laws bringing a new wave of refugees:
Minimum age for military service: Setting a minimum age of 17 for military service is a possible new condition required by Ukrainian laws. These details are testified by refugees crossing Siret customs. This possible new condition is spreading fear and worry for young people turning 17 and their families.
Recruitment of women: Another possible law being discussed is the recruitment of women with medical, tailoring and culinary education/training into the army. Already there have been many ladies who have gone through customs and confessed that they want to leave Ukraine for a few months to make sure they are safe from such recruitment.
3.NGOs and organisations – Courses and information sessions
It should be mentioned that 3 training and information workshops were organised in September on “Responding to the Ukrainian refugee crisis through an informed and safe approach to support the prevention of trafficking in persons”, and ,,Preventing sexual exploitation and abuse among refugees and other vulnerable beneficiaries”. The workshops were attended by state authorities, representatives of NGOs present at Siret customs, specialists and volunteers. The activities were carried out in partnership with DGASPC Suceava, UNICEF and INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION.