Eighteen Ukrainian children and 15 widowed mothers, victims of war, are already in Portugal. They have been hosted under an emotional and social rehabilitation programme in Ourém.

Their welcome was at Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon and was presided over by the Minister of Justice Rita Alarcão Júdice representing the Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The initiative is organised by the Help UA.PT association and will house the families at the Fénix Rehabilitation Centre in Ourém.

"Today, we housed 18 children and 15 mothers who are fleeing the horrors of war, which continues to take lives, destroying homes and families", claimed the Minister, stressing the Portugal wishes to provide "comfort, safety, protection and, above all, dignity".

Rita Alarcão Júdice also noted that this initiative "is also an affirmation of value", adding that "justice is not only conducted in the courtrooms, it is also experienced in protecting human rights, protecting those who are most vulnerable, and not normalising violence, especially against children".

While in Portugal, mothers and children from the Ukrainian region of Chernihivska will benefit from psychological therapy, physiotherapy, and entertainment and cultural activities in a programme geared towards emotional recovery.

The Minister indicated that "the Portuguese Government offers firm and continuous support to Ukraine on a humanitarian, political, and international level", expressing her desire to have these initiatives unfold again, "ideally in a context where the war is over", reiterating that Portugal "has open arms" when it comes to supporting the Ukrainian people.

The humanitarian mission undertaken by Help UA.PT has already carried out similar projects in other European countries and in Portugal it has the engagement of civil society and various public entities.