MIYAVI meets with children from Ukraine at an accommodation centre in Strășeni, not far from the capital. ©UNHCR/Daniel Codreanu Chisinau
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova: -The UN Refugee Agency’s Goodwill Ambassador and Japanese artist MIYAVI concluded his three-day visit to the Republic of Moldova with a call for increased international support to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan families who have welcomed them with open arms.
The renowned musician, actor and philanthropist visited three centres accommodating refugees and listened to their stories. He toured facilities providing key services to refugees, including UNHCR’s cash enrolment centre where refugees have been issued with pre-paid cards of $US120 per person per month.
“I’m saddened, impressed and mesmerized by the stories of challenge, resilience and hope that the refugees have shared with me”, MIYAVI said, adding “My mission as the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador is to share these stories with the rest of the world and appeal for increased support for Moldova, a small country with a big heart, so that it can continue to support the refugees.”
Mr.Sergiu Odainic, General State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, briefed him about the support that Moldova has been extending to refugees and the gaps that need to be filled. MIYAVI said that he was captivated by the overwhelming solidarity Moldovans have shown to refugees which he described as “a great example.” He reiterated his resolve to advocate on behalf of Moldova and the refugees under its care.
The star guitarist later met with UNHCR’s national and international partners, including a local NGO – Moldova for Peace which mobilized thousands of volunteers and mounted a spontaneous response at the onset of the refugee crisis. With UNHCR’s support, the NGO is setting up a community center providing safe space and services to vulnerable refugee women.
The highlight of his visit was a music session with children from Moldova as well as from Ukraine, Syria, Turkey and Iran who played violin, guitar and piano, sang and danced with him, brining much needed smiles to their faces.
Francesca Bonelli, the UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova, thanked MIYAVI for visiting Moldova to see the situation for himself and to advocate on behalf of refugees and Moldovans. “I am incredibly impressed by MIYAVI’s capacity to using the power of music to advocate for refugees and help mobilize more support for Moldova”.
By allowing over 500,000 refugees to enter the country, Moldova has received one of the highest number of refugees per 10,000 inhabitants in the region. More than 86,000 of them are still in the country, mostly accommodated by Moldovan families.
UNHCR, the government of Moldova and 40 organizations have recently launched an inter-agency response plan appealing for USD $414.2 million to help refugees and vulnerable Moldovan host families until the end of the year. To date, only 27% of the financial requirements have been met.
For further information, please contact:
Kisut Gebreegziabher
Communicatios Officer & Spokesperson
UNHCR Moldova
Mobile: +37367722468
WhatsApp: +254712856340
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