Press Releases

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes a contribution of EUR 3,000,000 from the Government of Italy for crucial humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees and host communities in the Republic of Moldova.

The people of Italy’s generous contribution bolsters UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova, with a focus on ensuring access to temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine and their families, supporting refugee inclusion, and helping host communities. This contribution will strengthen local capacity for community services, including development and social cohesion for vulnerable refugees and local communities alike.  It also includes targeted cash assistance to vulnerable refugees to help them meet their basic needs and enhance their resilience.

“Italy is an important partner in protecting and assisting refugees, stateless persons, returnees, and internally displaced around the world – and especially in the Republic of Moldova,” notes Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Country Representative for the Republic of Moldova.  “Their support means UNHCR can continue to help communities improve services for vulnerable refugees and Moldovans alike.”

With this contribution, Italy continues its significant support to UNHCR’s Moldova operation, while last year, Italy was one of UNHCR Moldova’s top donors.  “Italy  keeps standing in full and tangible solidarity with the Republic of Moldova and the refugees from Ukraine that they have received so warmly and efficiently,“ said Lorenzo Tomassoni, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Moldova.  “This three million Euro cash assistance and related strengthened community services will help both Moldovans and refugees here build a better future together, also in the perspective of the EU accession process.”

The Republic of Moldova has received more arrivals from Ukraine per capita than any other country worldwide: one for every three Moldovan citizens since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Nearly 104,000 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.

UNHCR 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 influx of refugees from Ukraine, and joined the Government in co-leading the interagency humanitarian response aligned with the Regional Response Plan (RRP) for the Ukraine Situation.

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR is grateful to the Government of Italy for their contribution to supporting Refugees from Ukraine and host communities in the Republic of Moldova

Chişinău 21 June 2023. The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency organized an event yesterday at the National Museum of History to commemorate World Refugee Day. The theme of this year’s World Refugee Day – “Hope away from home: A world where refugees are always included” – is particularly relevant to the Republic of Moldova’s powerful example of refugee inclusion.

The United Nations designated 20 June as an international day to recognise the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict, persecution, or other human rights violations. It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight as well as to express gratitude to hosting countries like the Republic of Moldova.

“It is also a day to acknowledge an ugly truth: that we live in a world with 35 million refugees.  A world that struggles to resolve the conflicts, persecution and violence that force so many people from their homes” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative. “It is however, also an opportunity to remind ourselves that working together is the only way to transform such ugly truth into a better future for everyone – regardless of where they come from.”

This year’s World Refugee Day theme also coincides with the Government’s Year of Ukrainian Culture in Moldova.  “World Refugee Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with refugees, to recognize their importance and contributions to society, and to ensure that their rights and dignity are protected,” explained Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan. “We must acknowledge that refugees, once provided with the necessary support and opportunities, have the potential to make significant contributions to host communities, enriching the societies in which they seek shelter. As a nation, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to providing protection and assistance to those in need. Our efforts to offer refuge, relocation, and opportunities for integration to displaced individuals are evidence of our values of compassion, empathy, and inclusion.”

The event included a performance by the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra featuring special guest performances by UNHCR high-profile supporter Valentina Naforniţa and saxophonist Igor Znatokov of Ukraine.

UNHCR, in partnership with the Government, local authorities, United Nations partners, civil society and other community-led initiatives, also organized a series of events in commemoration of World Refugee Day this week in Chişinău, Bălți, Căușeni and Edineț.

On 17 June, UNHCR partnered with over 40 government, UN, humanitarian, International and national organisations to host a Day at the Park event in Chişinău, featuring educational and recreational activities for refugee and Moldovan families all day long, including musical performances from Moldovans and refugees from around the world.

Also on 20 June 2023, UNHCR, local authorities and partner organisations Charity Centre for Refugees, INTERSOS, the Law Center of Advocates and the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova in addition to ARIPI DE VIAȚĂ organised a family day at Vasyl Sukhomlynsky high school in Edineț.  “I feel for the people who are forced to leave their home country because of war,” said President Maia Sandu, who joined the event.  “Rest assured that we will spare no effort in making a safe and welcoming environment for refugees who stay in the country.”

The people and Government of Moldova have been praised globally for their exemplary refugee response. In March of this year, the Government of Moldova activated a temporary protection regime for refugees from Ukraine and their families. Temporary protection is a huge step forward for refugee inclusion in Moldova, including more stable access to legal status, rights, and services like healthcare.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered nearly 849,000 arrivals into Moldova since 24 February 2022.  Nearly 104,000 refugees from Ukraine have chosen to stay in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and elderly.

UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day

UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day

UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day

UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day

UNHCR and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova Commemorate World Refugee Day

Chisinau, 20 June 2023 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, handed over 22 anaesthesia machines to local hospitals in the Republic of Moldova to improve access to healthcare for refugees and host communities. The machines have been distributed to hospitals across the raions (regions), where they will contribute to providing better and more inclusive healthcare for all.

This is just one element of UNHCR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the overall national services that the people and Government of Moldova have generously made available and accessible for refugees.

“We are working together, hand in hand with our donors, and the Government of Moldova to strengthen the country’s protection and social services,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative. ” Improving the quality of services available will benefit not only refugees but Moldovans as well.”

Moldova provides essential health services to refugees, including vaccinations, mental health support, and maternal and child health services on an equal basis as to Moldovans.“Moldova is committed to ensuring that our health system provides support and care for all, including refugees,” said Ala Nemerenco, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova. “To achieve this end, we need to work to ensure that our healthcare facilities are adequately equipped to provide quality healthcare services to everyone.”

The United States provides critical support to UNHCR, including to the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova. This vital support has helped strengthen national capacities to accommodate and provide services to refugees generously hosted by Moldova since the start of the conflict in Ukraine last year.

“The United States works closely with our international partners and local communities to provide healthcare to refugees in Moldova and the communities that host them,” said Kent Logsdon, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. “We are investing in Moldova’s future by supporting better, more inclusive healthcare.”

In March of this year, the Government of Moldova activated a temporary protection programme for refugees from Ukraine and their families. Temporary protection is a huge step forward in ensuring refugee inclusion in Moldova, including more stable access to legal status, rights, and services like healthcare.

Despite many pressing economic challenges and limited resources, Moldovans have opened their country and their homes to refugees. Over 822,000 Ukrainian refugees entered the country since the 24^th of February 2022 and over 101,835 Ukrainian refugees remain, almost half of whom are children.

UNHCR is grateful for the support from our top government donors and for the generous contributions from individuals and the private sector.

European Union l France l Iceland l Italy l Japan l Denmark l the United States of America

UNHCR is also grateful for the support provided by donors who have contributed to global UNHCR programmes with broadly earmarked and unearmarked funds.

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

UNHCR Provides 20 Local Hospitals in the Republic of Moldova with Anaesthesia Machines to Support Inclusive Healthcare

With the support of Japan, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency is providing the Association of People with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova (AOSIRM) with equipment including two cars with wheelchair access, power generators, laptops, printers, and 200 hygiene kits for adults and children. This assistance helps increase the AOSIRM’s capacity to identify, reach, and support more people in need — both Moldovans and refugees alike. In this way, UNHCR’s community-based approach is designed to invest in partners like AOSIRM to sustainably support refugees, local communities, and people with disabilities.

The Association of People with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova has a long history of advocating for more inclusive legislation, policies, and representation in governmental councils and commissions for people with disabilities. The Association also acts as the main hub for providing assistive equipment and aid for people in need. It serves not only to citizens of Moldova but also refugees from Ukraine, with UNHCR’s support.

“This equipment will encourage us even more in our planned activities to help refugees from Ukraine and our fellow citizens” Said Mihail Marginean, President of AOSIRM “Furthermore, it will improve our logistics and implementation of various planned projects. Our partnership with UNHCR helps to raise the capacity of our organization and helps us become stronger and more viable to the people that we serve”

Projects like this are guided by UNHCR’s rights-based approach to disability reflected in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, focusing on the meaningful engagement of persons with disabilities in all decisions that affect them.

“When Russia began their aggression against Ukraine, many people had to flee for their lives, and they were all vulnerable. It is easy to see that people with disabilities found it the most difficult to make the journey to safety,” said Yoichiro Yamada, Japan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. “The activities of UNHCR, together with those of the Republic of Moldova and its people, embody human conscience and compassion.”

With over USD 9M this year in contributions for UNHCR operation in the Republic of Moldova, Japan is one of UNHCR’s top donors and a key strategic ally in the refugee response in the country. The support of Japan enabled UNHCR to provide a wide range of assistance to refugees and vulnerable host communities in the Republic of Moldova.  “Japan is an important partner for our investments in community capacity here in the Republic of Moldova,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova.  “We continue to support groups like AOSIRM that work with both Moldovans and refugees with disabilities.”

Japan’s support for important global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Human Security and the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, unquestionably identifies it as a key supporter of refugees and displaced people.

UNHCR actively supports the critical role played by civil society in serving refugee and host communities.

The Republic of Moldova has received more refugees from Ukraine per capita than any other country worldwide: for every three Moldovan citizens, one person from Ukraine has arrived since the war began. As of the 21st of March 2023, out of the total 791,093 arrivals, 100,366 Ukrainian refugees are currently hosted in Moldova, 60 per cent of whom are women and 46% are children.

Japan and UNHCR support the Association of People with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova with valuable equipment ©UNHCR/ Salahaldeen Abdulrahman

END

03 March 2023

Chisinau. In response to the displacement crisis caused by Russia’s full- invasion of Ukraine, a broad coalition of humanitarian partners today launched the national chapter of the 2023 inter-agency Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP).  This plan, produced under the auspices of the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF) co-led by the Government and UNHCR together with the UN family and humanitarian partners, appeals for sustained financial support to help refugees and host communities in this country.

In 2022, a total of 42 government and humanitarian partners joined the efforts to provide protection services and multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance to refugees from Ukraine, third-country nationals seeking safety and other persons in need, reaching some 128,000 people in the Republic of Moldova. The 2022 RRP complemented Government-led efforts building on the collective efforts being conducted by volunteer groups and other local responders. Notable achievements included reaching 108,000 individuals with cash assistance, 89,000 receiving in-kind assistance, supporting 128,000 with food assistance, providing protection services for 118,000 people, facilitating access to health services for 16,000, and ensuring 1,800 children are benefitting from the national education system.

“This national chapter of the Regional Refugee Response plan is the foundation of our Government’s collaboration with humanitarian partners in support of refugees from Ukraine and the communities that have received them in the Republic of Moldova,” explains Colonel Adrian Efros, head of the Government’s Joint Crisis Management Centre.  “We are pleased to work with this broad coalition of partners from the national government, local authorities, United Nations, civil society, refugees, the diplomatic community and others to continue building upon what we achieved together last year.”

In 2023, a combination of 73 partners in Moldova will join their efforts to ensure protection, safety, and assistance continue to reach refugees and Moldovans alike. A key objective of the response plan is to provide coordinated support to government-led efforts to address the protection and lifesaving needs of refugees and those who fled the war in Ukraine. This will include the facilitation of appropriate solutions and support to Moldovan host communities.

“The world has watched with deep respect, as communities across Moldova opened their hearts and their homes to refugees fleeing Ukraine. The United Nations remains committed to supporting refugees and communities in Moldova” Said Simon Springett, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Moldova, “Through the Regional Refugees Response Plan this support continues – and will continue until the last refugee returns safely to Ukraine.”

Together, RRP partners seek USD $426.9 million to support a projected 1 million refugees that could potentially arrive in the Republic of Moldova by the end of the year. Since 24 February 2022, more than 775,000 refugees have entered Moldova and nearly 110,000, including third-country nationals, are currently in the country requiring mid to long-term support and solutions.

The RRP focuses on key sectors, including protection, basic needs, health and nutrition, education, livelihoods and inclusion, shelter, and cash assistance to refugees and refugees hosting families.

The plan is launched in the context of the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine, that is characterized by attacks on non-combatants, civilian infrastructure, and ongoing large-scale displacement both within and outside of the country. It is also built as a continuation of the achievements of the previous year’s plan and the challenges raised during the implementation.

“Humanitarian needs remain high, which underscores the importance of international solidarity at this juncture,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova.  “Together, we can sustain and continue to build upon the refugee response in this country for both refugees and host communities alike.”

In the context of the activation of the temporary protection regime in the Republic of Moldova, the promotion of resilience, livelihoods, and socioeconomic inclusion of refugees is a key aspect of the plan including the upgrade of local services, provision of socioeconomic integration support, job placement services, information, vocational training, validation, and certification of skills, as well as in-kind micro-grants for self-employment and small businesses.

Under the leadership of the Government of Moldova, the RRP brings together the efforts of 73 organizations including UN agencies, national and international NGOs, faith-based institutions, and civil society.

UNHCR/Salahaldeen Abdulrahman

End.

Chisinau, 2 February

This week, the Government of the Republic of Moldova, Religions for Peace, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, hosted a delegation of leaders of the world’s diverse faith traditions, the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders.  The delegation was welcomed by Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan, local religious leaders and representatives from faith-based organizations involved in the refugee response, in a ‘Solidarity for Peace Dialogue’, featuring a roundtable discussion to bolster inter-religious support for refugees and their host communities in Moldova.

Forced displacement is a complex and growing crisis. By mid-2022, over 103 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, with 74 per cent of them hosted in low- and middle-income countries. Responding to this crisis requires a whole-of-society approach as outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees, encompassing not only States and humanitarian organizations, but also religious leaders and faith-based organizations.

This initiative, bringing together international and local faith leaders as well as the Government and civil society to mobilize inter-religious support for refugees was the first of its kind. Faith leaders present encouraged their communities and faith-based organizations in their tireless provision of services and the promotion of inclusion and social cohesion in forced displacement contexts.

“Religions for Peace is committed to sharing the light of wisdom and compassion coming from each and all faith traditions. The strong belief is that when religions work together, no one is left behind”,  said Prof. Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace.

Despite challenges and limited resources of their own, Moldovans have shown remarkable humanity in welcoming almost 750,000 Ukrainian refugees since the invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago. Over 102,000 refugees currently remain, almost half of whom are children.

“As wars, conflict, and persecution continue to force people to flee their homes, we seek the support of faith leaders and their communities…We need a new commitment to solidarity with all refugees, no matter where they are coming from. The solidarity in Moldova is an important example for the rest of the world”, said Gillian Triggs, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR.

This initiative will support UNHCR in deepening its engagement with religious leaders to promote inclusion and social cohesion and better coordinate services for people who are forcibly displaced as well as the communities who receive them, enabling refugees and host communities alike to live more dignified lives, in line with the spirit of the Global Compact on Refugees.

For more information, please contact:

• In Moldova:  Timothy Shoffner; [email protected]
• In Geneva: Louise Donovan; [email protected]

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.  We work in over 130 countries, protecting millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights, and helping them build a better future. For more information, visit www.unhcr.org

About Religions for Peace

Religions for Peace comprises 90 national and six regional Inter-Religious Platforms, provides direct, multi-religious humanitarian support, and mobilises faith communities across the globe to welcome migrants and refugees, For more information, visit  www.rfp.org

UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency warmly welcomes a contribution of USD 9,106,462 from the Government of Japan for crucial humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian refugees and host communities in the Republic of Moldova.

The people of Japan’s generous contribution strengthens the operational capacity of UNHCR and its partners to reinforce support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova to implement the Temporary Protection regime, support refugee inclusion, and help host communities. This support includes technical protection expertise and building registration capacity for temporary protection, strengthening asylum and refugee status determination procedures, support for opening community service centres around the country that serve refugees and Moldovans alike, employment counselling, and other important services. In addition, this valuable support will help enable the national protection system and civil society actors to prevent, mitigate, and respond to gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation/abuse (SEA).

“Japan has been an essential partner to UNHCR across the globe and particularly in Moldova during the past months,” notes Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Country Representative for the Republic of Moldova.  “This support comes at a key juncture of the refugee response and marks a concrete manifestation of international solidarity with refugees and host communities here.”

Another notable outcome of Japan’s contribution is enhanced identification and referral of persons with specific needs to appropriate services — including children, women, persons with disabilities, older persons, as well as survivors and those at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and/or human trafficking. It will expand the capacity of service-providers and support educational and recreational activities for Ukrainian refugee children enrolled in schools.

“It’s a tragedy that so many Ukrainians had had to flee from their country for safety and experience all kinds of difficulties since the beginning of the war. At this difficult time, we are deeply impressed by the generosity of the Moldovans who provide shelter to the refugees despite the economic difficulties of their own. I hope that the latest contribution from Japan through UNHCR will help address the huge needs.” said H.E. Mr. Yamada Yoichiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Moldova

The Republic of Moldova has received more Ukrainian refugees per capita than any other country worldwide: for every three Moldovan citizens, one person from Ukraine has arrived since the war began. As of the 1st of January 2023, out of the total 739,467 arrivals, 102,103 Ukrainian refugees are currently hosted in Moldova, 84 percent of whom are women and children

UNHCR 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 in response to the influx of refugees from Ukraine to co-lead the interagency humanitarian response aligned with the Regional Response Plan (RRP) for the Ukraine Situation.

In 2022, Japan ranked as UNHCR’s 4^th largest government donor with its contribution of USD 164 million, making it one of UNHCR’s top donors.