site.btaSofia, Kyiv Consider Options for War-Impacted Ukrainian Children's Rest, Rehabilitation in Bulgaria

Conferring here on Friday, Bulgaria's Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivaylo Ivanov and Ukraine's Ambassador in Sofia Olesya Ilashchuk discussed the possibility for rest and rehabilitation in Bulgaria of children impacted by the war, Ivanov's Ministry said in a press release.

"Responding to the refugee wave from Ukraine, the Ministry took a number of measures to provide support to Ukrainian refugees in terms of social assistance and social services, integration of people with disabilities, protection of families and their children, and access to the labour market for temporary protection beneficiaries," Ivanov said, adding that the opportunities for Ukrainian children visiting the Bulgaria Black Sea coast is being explored.

At the meeting, the Labour and Social Policy Minister familiarized the Ukrainian Ambassador with the child protection measures in Bulgaria. "Children who have left Ukraine and are displaced to Bulgarian territory are regarded as a specific group in a grave life and social situation," Ivanov explained.

In a letter sent before Friday's meeting, Ukraine's Social Policy Minister Oksana Zholnovych thanked the team of the Bulgarian Labour and Social Policy Ministry for the assistance and support provided to the Ukrainian children and families with children and the creation of a safe environment for them.