UNHCR Annual Report Republic of Moldova, 2023

The war in Ukraine continued to devastate the lives of millions throughout 2023, displacing more than 6 million out of the country. Of these, 1.4 million refugees from Ukraine transited through the Republic of Moldova seeking safety. Some of the most vulnerable refugees from Ukraine are currently living in Moldova, where the country has warmly welcomed them into its communities, homes, and hearts. UNHCR, in partnership with Moldovan central and local authorities, the UN agencies, humanitarians, civil society, the private sector, donors, and refugees have advanced with determination to collectively institute an environment that mitigates the impact of forced displacement and statelessness while helping individuals find sustainable solutions.

In 2023, UNHCR strived to facilitate refugee enrolment in the Temporary Protection regime, implemented by the Government of the Republic of Moldova at the year’s onset. In close coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Inspectorate for Migration, UNHCR Expanded its efforts to raise awareness to equip refugees with crucial information, strengthening national capacities in asylum and emergency preparedness to foster a protective environment in the country. Additionally, in our relentless pursuit to offer viable solutions, UNHCR continued to provide legal assistance for refugees and stateless persons, facilitating naturalisation in Moldova or transfer to third countries. To ensure refugees have safe and dignified access to the country, UNHCR and its partners have supported the Moldovan border authorities and conducted protection monitoring.

Simultaneously, UNHCR in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the National Employment Agency, and its partners sustained its support for vocational training and job counselling, empowering individuals to enhance their employability and achieve self-reliance. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, with the support of UNHCR continued to accommodate refugees in refugee accommodation centres, improving conditions, regulating operations, and implementing a long-term strategy focused on supporting the most vulnerable and facilitating refugees’ integration and self-reliance. The collaboration also extended to include supporting vulnerable Moldovans through strengthening national social services, including supporting social workers, public kindergarten and childcare spaces in the country. In 2023, UNHCR, in collaboration with Moldovan authorities and humanitarian partners continued to support the inclusion of refugee women and refugee children in national gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection systems respectively.

Moreover, UNHCR continued to deliver cash assistance to forcibly displaced individuals from Ukraine to address their basic needs in a dignified manner and boost the local economy. UNHCR also extended additional winter cash assistance to ensure the well-being of those at risk and affected during the cold season.

Community engagement and social cohesion remained at the centre of UNHCR activities in 2023. UNHCR carried out various initiatives aimed at empowering refugees and ensuring their meaningful involvement in decision-making processes that will affect their lives. UNHCR enhanced these activities by fostering collaboration between refugee and host community organizations through the Community Forum platform. During 2023, we expanded our network of Community Support Centres (CSCs) to enable refugees and local Moldovans to access a variety of services and create the space for productive social and cultural interaction among communities.

In continuation of innovative interventions, UNHCR collaborated with the Ministry of Culture to curate cultural events, exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities. These initiatives were designed to promote intercultural dialogue, foster cultural integration, and ensure social inclusion among refugees and asylum-seekers. Through art, music, and choreography, UNHCR aimed to create a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences. Additionally, UNHCR partnered with Moldova State University to enhance student engagement and awareness regarding the needs of asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless individuals. This strategic collaboration sought to nurture empathy and understanding and equip future Moldovan human rights advocates, humanitarians, and journalists with valuable insights into the humanitarian field.

In 2023, UNHCR took firm steps along the transition roadmap towards inclusion for 2024-2026, to foster collaboration, complementarity, and burden-sharing with development actors such as UNDP, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.

As UNHCR remains committed to its mission, these initiatives collectively contribute to our ongoing efforts to create a more stable and secure environment for those impacted by displacement and statelessness.

UNHCR is grateful for the collaboration of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, all the joint efforts exerted by UNHCR partners, and the generosity of international donors who supported the UNHCR programme in the Republic of Moldova.

UNHCR also recognizes the inspiring strength and resilience of the refugee community in the country. The engagement, and participation of refugees in UNHCR programmes through active participation and feedback have helped us better tailor our work to the needs of the people we serve and work with.

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