The Aliens and Borders Service (SEF) is running "an operation of random mobile controls at the main crossing points of the land border with Spain and also at road and rail terminals". These are preventive actions to identify possible criminal activities, generated by the situation in Ukraine.
This is because, explains the SEF in a statement, “the current situation in Ukraine and the displacement of thousands of refugees from war zones, especially unaccompanied women and children, could lead to exposure to criminal groups related to human trafficking”.
At the same time, inspections are carried out throughout the country with the aim of “detecting possible crimes of trafficking in human beings and the recruitment of illegal labour, with special emphasis on unaccompanied minors and undocumented women”.
“Prostitution networks, organ trafficking, pedophilia and slave labor are realities that can reveal themselves after a simple ride”, explains the SEF. In this regard, UNICEF and UNHCR recommend that all countries ensure the immediate registration and identification of each unaccompanied minor arriving in their territories.
It is also recommended that the names of their tutors be registered after the entry, contributing these measures to better identify the actors.
The SEF, with the aim of following up on exceptional measures for granting temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine, created a portal for the registration of all Ukrainian citizens and citizens of other nationalities residing in Ukraine who cannot return to the country – https://sefforukraine.sef.pt
This digital platform makes it easier to obtain temporary protection, and can only be used by citizens over 18 years of age.
Minors, due to their vulnerability, need to confirm their affiliation or register requests for temporary protection at one of the SEF service desks exclusive for this purpose, which are open from north to south of the country and also in the Autonomous Region from Madeira.
Comments