Chişinău, 26th June 2024 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the generous contributions from the Government of Denmark, contributing with DKK 10,000,000 (USD 1,453,065). The funds are earmarked at the country level, allow UNHCR to use them to support priorities across the operation. For example, the funds will enable UNHCR to meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable refugees hosted in Moldova through cash assistance and to provide most needed protection services, such as psychosocial support. The contribution will also allow UNHCR to continue supporting the Government of Moldova in providing access to international protection measures, including temporary protection and asylum.
These funds will enhance UNHCR’s efforts to safeguard the rights of refugees in Moldova by providing guidance, technical assistance, and capacity building for national authorities. They will empower Moldovan authorities, at national and local level, and UNHCR to expand outreach and information-sharing initiatives with refugees, ensuring they secure legal status and access essential services and employment opportunities. This approach promotes improved self-reliance among refugees, facilitating their inclusion into local communities and enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully.
The funds will also help refugees by giving them resources to cover their basic needs in a safe and dignified way. The UNHCR’s cash assistance programme allows refugees to decide how to use the money, so they can buy what they need most for their families. This not only helps them deal with their unique challenges but also boosts local economies because refugees spend the money in local shops and markets.
“For decades, Denmark has made important contributions to support refugees, including by providing substantive funding to UNHCR’s global programmes. UNHCR is grateful for the strong partnership and cooperation with Denmark to assist and protect the high number of refugees around the world and in Moldova,” stated the UNHCR a.i. Representative in the Republic of Moldova, Bertrand Blanc.
Since the start of Russian Federation’s full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, Moldova has received more refugee from Ukraine per capita than any other country in the region, with one refugee for every three Moldovan citizens. Over 120,000 refugees from Ukraine, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people, now remain in Moldova.
Globally, UNHCR is Denmark’s largest humanitarian partner in funding terms, and Denmark was UNHCR’s 8th largest government donor in 2023, providing almost USD 100 million. In addition to specific contributions such as those for Moldova, Denmark is also one of UNHCR’s most important partners for unearmarked funding, which allows us to respond globally to new emergencies and forgotten crises.
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