Otaci, 29 May 2024 – The Municipality of Otaci has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in the Republic of Moldova, under the framework of “Cities of Solidarity”. This initiative aims to enhance support and integration for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons within the local community. The occasion also marked the inauguration of Otaci’s first playground and a new sports facility, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of the Municipality of Otaci, UNHCR, and local organizations in their commitment to inclusivity and support for all residents.
“Everyone is welcome here. This Memorandum of Cooperation is critical to us. UNHCR has identified these cities of solidarity, and I’m proud Otaci is part of this network. We understand the responsibility it comes with it. Signing this agreement highlights our long-standing collaboration in providing assistance and building community, but it also marks a new chapter in our relationship” declared the mayor of Otaci, Dmitrii Zavrotchii.
The local authorities and community members of Otaci were among the first to respond to the refugee influx in the area. The Roma-led NGO Bahtalo Ker alongside the mayor’s office, established a volunteer center to support people crossing the border, providing them food, hot drinks, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, warmth and free transportation services. 6% of Otaci’s population are refugees (approximately 450 refugees currently reside in the city), with increased support from UNHCR and its partners, until today Bahtalo Ker and the mayor’s office continue their efforts to assist refugees living in the community.
“The collaboration between local authorities and Bahtalo Ker exemplifies the kind of proactive and inclusive approach that makes a tangible difference in the lives of displaced individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Their contributions have, in fact, been instrumental in not only providing essential services like shelter, food, and hygiene facilities to refugees but also in creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone” expressed UNHCR’s Representative a.i. in the Republic of Moldova, Betrand Blanc.
Otaci is the second city in Moldova to join the network of Cities of Solidarity. Jointly with local and regional authorities, UNHCR is advocating for the protection and inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and host community members in urban and suburban areas. The initiative Cities of Solidarity in the Republic of Moldova has three key objectives: to enhance inclusion by improving access to essential rights and services, to build local capacity by providing authorities and civil society with the necessary tools to benefit both displaced populations and host communities, and to spark innovation by fostering creative solutions and best practices that can be replicated elsewhere.
The Cities of Solidarity initiative has been successfully piloted in several other locations globally, such as Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Because of Moldova’s effective and commendable response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, UNHCR decided to implement the initiative in the country to showcase good practices and support the adaptation of urban areas to refugee influx.
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Monica Vazquez
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