Chişinău 19 July 2023. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the contribution of USD 11,600,000 from the Government of the United States of America for crucial humanitarian assistance to refugees and host communities, asylum-seekers, and stateless people in the Republic of Moldova.
The United States’ generous contribution helps build upon UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in ensuring access to temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine and their families, expediting refugee inclusion and supporting local communities hosting refugees.
“The United States has always demonstrated unwavering support for forcibly displaced people around the world as well as the communities who receive them, ensuring that refugees find solace, security, and hope when they need it most,” notes Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Representative for the Republic of Moldova.
This contribution will strengthen local capacity in providing community services for refugees and local communities alike, emphasizing important opportunities for an inclusive and friendly environment for refugees in the country. Also, the donation will facilitate vulnerable refugees’ access to targeted cash assistance to help meet basic needs, increase resilience, and allow them to contribute to local economies.
The United States of America continues its substantial support to UNHCR’s Moldova operation, building upon its sizable contribution in 2022 as the top individual donor to its operation in the Republic of Moldova.
“The United States is committed to supporting refugees and vulnerable migrants in Moldova and around the world, and this contribution is an example of that continued commitment,” said Kent Logsdon, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. “We commend the Moldovan government, people, and important international partners like UNHCR for their outstanding response to the humanitarian crisis brought on by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.”
The Republic of Moldova has received more arrivals from Ukraine per capita than any other country worldwide: one for every three Moldovan citizens since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Over 106,000 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.
UNHCR in Moldova has been supporting government-led efforts to provide protection and support to refugees since establishing a presence in the country in 1997. UNHCR significantly expanded its operations in the country in late February 2022, in response to the influx of refugees from Ukraine, and joined the Government of Moldova in co-leading the interagency humanitarian response aligned with the Regional Response Plan (RRP) for the Ukraine Situation.
Further information for journalists
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
