TIRANA – “While responding to the COVID-19 emergency situation, we as UNICEF and our local partners would like to ensure that children without parental care residing in public and private residential institutions; children with disabilities residing in developmental centers; children in detention; children affected by violence, exploitation or abuse who require urgent protection order; unaccompanied children; migrant children who are residing in temporary placements and children in street situation are provided with particular attention, as they are already most at risk and vulnerable,” said a statement released by the press office of UNICEF Albania on Monday.
The statement noted that possible misinformation on the spread of COVID-19 exacerbates xenophobia and discrimination that migrant and displaced children in particular already face.
“Unfortunately, some children are already requiring urgent protection and placement outside of their biological family or current residence because of the immediate high risk situation in which they are found,” it said, adding that UNICEF is very concerned that these children may be refused such service out of COVID-19 fear.
“And yet, at the same time there is no alternative option offered. Under Government’s coordination, UNICEF is working with other UN agencies and national partners to determine the best, most appropriate and practical solutions to ensure that immediate and long-term protection services are available for all children regardless of their status, gender or origin,” concluded UNICEF’s statement./argumentum.al
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