UNHCR/Salahaldeen Abdulrahman
© Italy supporting the refugee response in Moldova through UNHCR
Chisinau, Moldova, 20 September 2022: – Italy, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today handed over various equipment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova (MIA) to support the government’s response to the refugee emergency from Ukraine.
Since the start of the refugee crisis in Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has mobilized its workforce, to ensure the efficient, safe and humane management of the massive refugee inflows. It has adjusted its legislative framework to ensure border crossing points operate non-stop with maximum use of its infrastructure. Furthermore, the government with the support of UNHCR and the international community is taking firm steps toward enacting temporary protection measures for refugees. An act that will ensure a legal and safe stay of displaced people seeking safety in the country.
Ensuring safe and dignified crossing of refugees to our territory is a commitment that we honour” said Ana Revenco, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. “The support of our international friends such as Italy and UNHCR add to our effort to improve our capacity and preparedness to respond when needed”.
The donated equipment which includes vehicles, power generators, computers, and office equipment will be used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to strengthen their mobility and increase their monitoring capacity. With a contribution of over USD10M, Italy supports the refugee response in Moldova in addition to boosting the government’s social protection capacity for the benefit of displaced people and local communities as well.
“Since the beginning of the ongoing war, Italy has been supporting Moldova, both financially and in kind, in its efficient management of the Refugees flow from Ukraine”. Said Lorenzo Tomassoni, The Ambassador of Italy in Moldova. “I commend the people of Moldova for their hospitality and Moldovan Institutions, starting with Border Police, for their sense of duty. We are very satisfied with our cooperation with the UNHCR, which is making the best out of our 10 million euros funding. It’s not only the vehicles donated today to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nor the monthly cash assistance provided to over 80.000 Refugees. I am also referring to the crucial expertise that is helping Moldova to rapidly shape its legislation on Temporary Protection in compliance with EU standards, thus contributing to the strategic goal of EU accession.”
UNHCR is bolstering its capacity in Moldova, extending international support to the refugees, and providing much-needed humanitarian supplies through the government of the Republic of Moldova.
“Italy is amongst UNHCR’s top donors in Moldova,”, said Francesca Bonelli, the UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “We are thankful for the generous support provided to the government and people of Moldova who exhibited remarkable hospitality for refugees since the start of the crisis.”
As of 15 September, over 608,694 refugees from Ukraine entered Moldova. The majority have moved on to other European countries, with some 90,655 still generously hosted in the country.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
