The Psychological Assistance Association joined the refugee support “Welcome” Initiative. The Head of the Center for Children, Youth and Family MODUS, Martina Čarija, as part of the Initiative, and on behalf of the PAA, spent several days in Tovarnik and Opatovac. Based on her observations in the field, the PAA prepared the following recommendations in order to protect the physical and mental integrity of refugees:
To timely provide clear and reliable information to refugees about the current procedures of entry and exit from the country, with an emphasis on when the transport is picking them up and where they are being taken, etc.
To provide a leaflet with basic information about the location (camp map with marked basic facilities – where they can meet their basic needs, where they can get information – e.g. when families are separated, etc.). Clear guidelines where some buildings are located should be set in the camps. Providing information and guidance necessary to navigate the space enhances the sense of security and self-efficacy, which contributes to long-term resistance to stress to which refugees are exposed.
Provide Internet access and mobile phone functionality s o that these persons could have access to information and could contact the family members from whom they separated.
In places where refugees wait for transport to continue their journey, it is important to provide a space for children where they can spend time playing and having fun. This allows parents to take a break, but also to spend quality time with their children distancing themselves from the current situation and stress.
Provide experts from support professions and translators so that refugees could talk to someone in the moment of need. These therapeutic-translation teams should be mobile and they should inform people that they are available for talking to them.
Provide greater number of relevant language translators who have basic information and talk to the refugees in the camps.
The Psychological Assistance Association is committed to respecting all fundamental human rights of refugees, especially children, and we will, with the support of partner organizations, continue to operate in the field.
Source: http://dpp.hr/inicijativa-dobrodosli-solidarnost-nema-granica/
Published: September 27, 2015; 21:15
