| 18 February 2010 On 17 February 2010 two non-governmental organizations based in Ukraine - NEEKA and Caritas signed a bilateral protocol to foster their cooperation in asylum and migration related issues. UNHCR and IOM supported this initiative and were present at the signing. The purpose of the Protocol is to establish and further develop a framework of cooperation and exchange of information on provision of assistance to beneficiaries of the projects implemented by Caritas and NEEKA and funded by IOM and UNHCR respectively. The main objective of the Protocol is to ensure provision of legal counselling and assistance to potential asylum-seekers in accordance with the mandates, capacity and expertise of the NEEKA and Caritas. UNHCR and IOM will continue to facilitate access of NEEKA and Caritas to border and detention facilities in Ukraine so as to ensure social and legal services are provided to irregular migrants, asylum seekers and persons with special needs. 
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