Minister M. Navickienė: all countries of the European Union must help the children and women of Ukraine fleeing the war
Urgent, coordinated and timely assistance to the people of Ukraine in any European country – this was emphasized today by the Minister of Social Security and Labor Monika Navickienė, who is attending a meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Brussels.
"Russia's war in Ukraine has caused a humanitarian crisis. Russia is responsible for shedding the blood of innocent people – children, women, the elderly, the disabled, men – for the lives lost. Therefore, dear colleagues, we must work together and make every effort to open up the humanitarian corridors and the establishment of safe zones. From the minute the people fleeing the war reach the safe land of the European Union, they must be given all the help they need to feel at home“, – said Minister M. Navickienė.
The Minister emphasized that the European leaders had already agreed to continue to show solidarity and provide humanitarian, medical and financial support to all refugees, so "we firmly believe that all member states of the European Union have a duty to help people fleeing the horrors of war“, – said Minister M. Navickienė.
Multilateral discussions were held on these topics with Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, as well as bilateral discussions with Dutch counterparts.
At the meeting, Minister M. Navickienė emphasized her support for the CARE initiative proposed by the European Commission, but she also noted that in this emergency situation, further steps are needed as soon as possible to create a new financial instrument to help border and other host countries. The Minister also emphasized that the Multiannual Financial Assistance Fund for 2021-2027 must be flexibly used to allocate more funds to address the problems of people fleeing the war. The same topic was discussed at a bilateral meeting with Commissioner N. Schmit, who expressed his understanding and the importance of taking further steps to address Lithuania's challenges.
Minister M. Navickienė noted to the participants that the humanitarian aid mechanism in Lithuania is activated as soon as the Ukrainians cross the Lithuanian border. For the first 72 hours, they are provided with accommodation, food, medical care and psychological assistance. Particular attention is paid to children, young people, women, people with disabilities and the elderly. Visitors are also provided with detailed information about opportunities to stay in Lithuania and get a job, and children are offered activities according to age.
As for the activation of the Provisions on Temporary Protection, Ukrainians in Lithuania immediately receive health insurance and a work permit, and children are given the opportunity to attend kindergartens and schools. Amendments to laws allow people to receive compensation for housing and accomodation allowances.
"On the first day of the war in Ukraine, on February 24, we called on each of you, along with our Latvian and Estonian colleagues, to work with our civil societies, local and international non-governmental organizations to strengthen humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people. Ukraine is a part of Europe that has been defending our peace for 19 days“, – said Minister M. Navickienė.