Refugees from Donetsk choose temporary protection in Moldova
© UNHCR/ Ciurca Eugenia
Maria* has been in Nisporeni for more than a year. She comes from the Donetsk region, a territory under military control of the Russian Federation since 2014. She chose to come to the Republic of Moldova because her son and granddaughter were here.
The host country welcomed Maria’s family. “We are comfortable in Moldova, but obviously we want to be home,” Maria says.
Maria says she delayed leaving as much as possible because it was complicated for her to make the decision to go into the unknown.
“I endured as much as I could, but when the Russian invasion engulfed everything I loved, I decided it was time to leave, to save myself”, she says. “I’m not sure of my home’s current condition, but I presume that after so much ongoing combat, it’s in a terrible state,” the woman adds.
For added long-term security, Maria and her family have been granted temporary protection since the first days of the implementation of the scheme in March 2023.
“The purpose for choosing temporary protection is the stability and confidence in tomorrow that this status gives us,” she says.
In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has developed a safety measure for Ukrainians seeking shelter in the country, offering them temporary protection.
In addition to the legality of being in Moldova, temporary protection offers the holders fundamental rights, such as the right to education, work and health.
To register for temporary protection status, go to https://protectietemporara.gov.md
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has provided substantial support to help the government implement temporary protection. As of 7th of august, over 10700 refugees from Ukraine have received temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova.
UNHCR continues to help refugees and vulnerable communities in the Republic of Moldova thanks to generous support from the European Union, France, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Norway, and the United States.
* Name has been changed for protection reasons
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