UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
© UNHCR/Salahaldeen Abdulrahman
Chişinău 21 June 2023. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency organized an event yesterday at the National Museum of History to commemorate World Refugee Day. The theme of this year’s World Refugee Day – “Hope away from home: A world where refugees are always included” – is particularly relevant to the Republic of Moldova’s powerful example of refugee inclusion.
The United Nations designated 20 June as an international day to recognise the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict, persecution, or other human rights violations. It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight as well as to express gratitude to hosting countries like the Republic of Moldova.
“It is also a day to acknowledge an ugly truth: that we live in a world with 35 million refugees. A world that struggles to resolve the conflicts, persecution and violence that force so many people from their homes” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative. “It is however, also an opportunity to remind ourselves that working together is the only way to transform such ugly truth into a better future for everyone – regardless of where they come from.”
This year’s World Refugee Day theme also coincides with the Government’s Year of Ukrainian Culture in Moldova. “World Refugee Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with refugees, to recognize their importance and contributions to society, and to ensure that their rights and dignity are protected,” explained Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan. “We must acknowledge that refugees, once provided with the necessary support and opportunities, have the potential to make significant contributions to host communities, enriching the societies in which they seek shelter. As a nation, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to providing protection and assistance to those in need. Our efforts to offer refuge, relocation, and opportunities for integration to displaced individuals are evidence of our values of compassion, empathy, and inclusion.”
The event included a performance by the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra featuring special guest performances by UNHCR high-profile supporter Valentina Naforniţa and saxophonist Igor Znatokov of Ukraine.
UNHCR, in partnership with the Government, local authorities, United Nations partners, civil society and other community-led initiatives, also organized a series of events in commemoration of World Refugee Day this week in Chişinău, Bălți, Căușeni and Edineț.
On 17 June, UNHCR partnered with over 40 government, UN, humanitarian, International and national organisations to host a Day at the Park event in Chişinău, featuring educational and recreational activities for refugee and Moldovan families all day long, including musical performances from Moldovans and refugees from around the world.
Also on 20 June 2023, UNHCR, local authorities and partner organisations Charity Centre for Refugees, INTERSOS, the Law Center of Advocates and the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova in addition to ARIPI DE VIAȚĂ organised a family day at Vasyl Sukhomlynsky high school in Edineț. “I feel for the people who are forced to leave their home country because of war,” said President Maia Sandu, who joined the event. “Rest assured that we will spare no effort in making a safe and welcoming environment for refugees who stay in the country.”
The people and Government of Moldova have been praised globally for their exemplary refugee response. In March of this year, the Government of Moldova activated a temporary protection regime for refugees from Ukraine and their families. Temporary protection is a huge step forward for refugee inclusion in Moldova, including more stable access to legal status, rights, and services like healthcare.
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered nearly 849,000 arrivals into Moldova since 24 February 2022. Nearly 104,000 refugees from Ukraine have chosen to stay in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and elderly.
UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day
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