On February 23, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society implemented 15 international projects in 2011 and attracted Br893 million from external donors, the chairperson of the regional structure, Galina Zhelanova, told a BELTA correspondent. Among the most significant international technical assistance projects, the interlocutor named the program "Refugees, Asylum Seekers in Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine", which was implemented jointly with the UNHCR representation, the citizenship and migration department of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, and the labor, employment and social protection committee of the Regional Executive Committee. A feature of the work of the Vitebsk organization is that the regional center houses a temporary settlement point for refugees, where foreign citizens are sent in accordance with the quotas of the Department for Citizenship and Migration. The center has already received 230 foreigners from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Iraq, Congo, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Syria, and Georgia. Within the framework of the project, refugees received financial assistance, housing rent was paid for them, and medicines, school supplies, and warm clothes for children were purchased. A total of over Br75.6 million was allocated for these and similar purposes. The main task for the current year remains the employment of refugees at enterprises in the region, the development of entrepreneurship projects to ensure the self-sufficiency of refugee communities, and the creation of jobs based on them. Last year, the regional organization of the BRC became the implementer of a new project "Strengthening National Mechanisms for Reintegration and Rehabilitation of Victims of Trafficking in Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine". Issues of providing assistance to victims of human trafficking have remained in the focus of the regional organization since 2005. During this time, assistance has been provided to 150 victims. The regional organization also takes part in the implementation of programs aimed at supporting the youth volunteer movement, creating an rapid response team for natural and man-made emergencies with the participation of volunteers, and providing medical and social assistance to lonely elderly people and disabled people. The Vitebsk regional organization of the BRC will continue to participate in international projects this year, which will be aimed at combating domestic violence and strengthening the material base of healthcare institutions. -0-

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