So far, more than 6,800 children from war-torn Ukraine have arrived in Croatia, said the Minister of Labour, Family Pension and Social Policy, Marin Piletic, said on Wednesday during a visit to the refugee group. These are children aged 8 to 16.

"We thank everyone who helps the children we want to return them to their country as soon as possible, but we are also ready to integrate them into our society," said Minister Piletić. According to him, by accepting refugees from Ukraine, Croatia responded to the global action to help that country.

"The Croatian government stands by Ukraine politically, economically and emotionally because we know what we went through in the period from 1991 to 1995," said Piletić.

UNHCR Representative in Croatia Anna Rich thanked the Republic of Croatia for its efforts in setting up a comprehensive legislative approach to the reception and care of refugees from Ukraine.

"Most refugees fleeing Ukraine are women and children, and we urge you to remain vigilant about the risk of gender-based violence, human trafficking and other serious protection risks given the population profile and instability of the situation," Rich said.

She added that UNHCR supports the efforts of governments, including Croatian governments, to "increase prevention and protection measures against exploitation and abuse, including raising awareness and providing information to refugees."

The Ombudsperson for Children of the Republic of Croatia, Helenca Primat Dragičević, pointed out that the Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges all states to protect the rights of children, especially vulnerable groups such as children uprooted from Ukraine, due to the war.

18,899 refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Croatia so far.