Chişinău 18th January 2024. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the generous contribution of NOK 35,000,000 (EUR 3,092,503) from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. These funds will enable UNHCR to continue supporting the Government of Moldova in ensuring access to temporary protection, protection services, and psychosocial support. In addition to ensuring refugees’ basic needs are met through cash assistance for the most vulnerable refugees.
This contribution will enhance UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in safeguarding the rights of refugees. It involves providing guidance, technical assistance, and capacity building for national authorities. Furthermore, it will empower Moldovan authorities and UNHCR to expand outreach and information-sharing initiatives with refugees. The aim is to ensure that refugees not only secure legal status in Moldova but also have the means to access services and employment. This approach fosters improved self-reliance among refugees, facilitating their better integration into local communities and enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully.
It will also go towards supporting refugees with multi-purpose cash assistance to ensure their domestic and most urgent needs are met safely, securely, and dignifiedly. The UNHCR’s Cash Assistance program supports refugees by providing them with financial resources and flexibility to meet their diverse needs. It empowers refugees to decide based on their priorities, fostering dignity and autonomy. This approach not only addresses the unique challenges faced by displaced populations but also stimulates local economies by encouraging refugees to engage in local markets.
“For decades, Norway has made important contributions to refugees, including by providing substantive support to UNHCR’s global programmes. UNHCR is grateful for the strong partnership and cooperation with Norway in supporting the protection of the high number of refugees around the world and in Moldova.” stated Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in Moldova.
Moldova has received more refugee arrivals from Ukraine per capita than any other country in the region, one for every three Moldovan citizens, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over 120,693 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.
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Further information for journalists
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 arrival 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.
Key figures about the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova:
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