Serghei Anastasov, Mayor of Comrat, Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Moldova Representative, and H.E. Stella Avallone, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Moldova. @UNHCR/Daniela Gherciu
Comrat, 8 April 2025 – The Municipality of Comrat is taking a significant step towards building inclusive and resilient communities by joining the Cities of Solidarity initiative — a global effort led by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to support refugee protection and inclusion at the local level. A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Municipality of Comrat and UNHCR in the Republic of Moldova, formalising a shared commitment to work together for the inclusion of displaced persons in the life of the city.
“The people of Comrat have always shown warmth, generosity, and solidarity — welcoming those in need with compassion, regardless of nationality or faith,” said Mayor Serghei Anastasov. “This agreement between the Municipality of Comrat and UNHCR in the Republic of Moldova represents a meaningful step forward in supporting the inclusion of refugees into our local community.”
UNHCR has advanced localisation by deepening engagement with national and community-based organisations, promoting data-driven approaches, and prioritizing responses led by those closest to affected populations. In Moldova, these efforts have significantly expanded participation, with national partners now representing 56% of all Refugee Response Plan actors. In 2024 alone, UNHCR Moldova provided targeted capacity-building support to 40 local civil society organisations, funded 23 Community Support Initiatives across the country, and awarded multiple grants for grassroots projects directly benefiting refugees and host communities. This strategic emphasis on localisation and evidence-based decision-making now forms the foundation upon which Comrat joins the Cities of Solidarity initiative.
“Comrat’s decision highlights the critical role local authorities play in fostering inclusion, mutual understanding, and equal access to opportunities for both refugees and host communities.,” said Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Moldova Representative. “Through Cities of Solidarity, municipalities like Comrat are empowered to create practical solutions in partnership with communities and civil society, directly supporting Moldova’s national development goals.”
“Austria is proud to support the Republic of Moldova and its communities in building inclusive systems that respond to the needs of both refugees and their hosts,” said H.E. Stella Avallone, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Moldova. “It is inspiring to see how local actors can lead meaningful change with compassion and resolve.”
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation builds upon ongoing local efforts supported by UNHCR and partner organisations such as ACTED, Laolalta, and AO AVE Copiii, who have been actively promoting refugee inclusion, community infrastructure development, and social cohesion in Comrat. These efforts have been made possible in part thanks to support from the Government of Austria, through the Foreign Disaster Relief Fund and Austrian Development Agency.
Comrat now formally joins Chișinău, Căușeni, Ungheni, and Otaci as part of the Cities of Solidarity initiative, which empowers municipalities and civil society to lead inclusive, locally driven responses for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and host communities, while aligning efforts with national development priorities.
By reinforcing inclusive governance at the local level, the initiative ensures that no one—and nowhere—is left behind, strengthening Moldova’s comprehensive response to displacement.
For more information, please contact:
Monica Vazquez
+373 609 44 339
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