What is my responsibility towards vulnerable persons?

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8

7What is my

responsibility towards

vulnerable persons?

Vulnerable persons include especially children,

unaccompanied children, disabled people, elderly

people, pregnant women, single parents with

children, victims of human tracking, persons with

serious illness or mental disorders and persons who

have been subjected to torture, rape or other serious

forms of psychological, physical or sexual violence.

Border-crossing points and detention facilities are

among the primary locations where the special needs

of vulnerable persons may be declared or detected.

As a frontline ocial, you have the responsibility

to identify the special needs of vulnerable

persons and refer them for further assessment

and/or support to national authorities and other

stakeholders, such as NGOs and UNHCR, which are

specialised and mandated to respond to their needs

in accordance with national legislation and practice.

Make sure you are aware of the national referral

procedures and have the relevant contact details at

hand.

Emergency health considerations and basic needs

should always be addressed immediately and should

take priority over migratory concerns. Family unity

should be preserved to the extent possible and

children should not be separated from their parents

or relatives.

See Section “Pay attention to vulnerabilities”

of the Practical Guide.