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Chişinău 18^th January 2024. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the generous contribution of NOK 35,000,000 (EUR 3,092,503) from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. These funds will enable UNHCR to continue supporting the Government of Moldova in ensuring access to temporary protection, protection services, and psychosocial support. In addition to ensuring refugees’ basic needs are met through cash assistance for the most vulnerable refugees.

This contribution will enhance UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in safeguarding the rights of refugees. It involves providing guidance, technical assistance, and capacity building for national authorities. Furthermore, it will empower Moldovan authorities and UNHCR to expand outreach and information-sharing initiatives with refugees. The aim is to ensure that refugees not only secure legal status in Moldova but also have the means to access services and employment. This approach fosters improved self-reliance among refugees, facilitating their better integration into local communities and enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully.

It will also go towards supporting refugees with multi-purpose cash assistance to ensure their domestic and most urgent needs are met safely, securely, and dignifiedly. The UNHCR’s Cash Assistance program supports refugees by providing them with financial resources and flexibility to meet their diverse needs. It empowers refugees to decide based on their priorities, fostering dignity and autonomy. This approach not only addresses the unique challenges faced by displaced populations but also stimulates local economies by encouraging refugees to engage in local markets.

“For decades, Norway has made important contributions to refugees, including by providing substantive support to UNHCR’s global programmes. UNHCR is grateful for the strong partnership and cooperation with Norway in supporting the protection of the high number of refugees around the world and in Moldova.” stated Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in Moldova.

Moldova has received more refugee arrivals from Ukraine per capita than any other country in the region, one for every three Moldovan citizens, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over 120,693 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.

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Further information for journalists

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

Key figures about the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova:

• More than 126,000 refugees received cash assistance since 24 February 2022 (over USD 146M disbursed to refugees)
• Around 177,000 refugees have been supported with legal assistance since 24 February 2022
• Around 2,300 refugees are now hosted in 44 refugee accommodation centres supported by UNHCR.

Chisinau 14 December 2023 –The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) applauds the active involvement of the Republic of Moldova in the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. Minister Adrian Efros, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Minister Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection, joined and addressed the forum in different events. Additionally, Ms. Irene Basiul from the National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova and Ms. Elena Sirbu from the Roma Women Platform ROMNI, representing Moldovan civil society, also participated in the forum sharing their experience.

The Republic of Moldova is committing to nine pledges with a focus on refugee inclusion, safeguarding child rights, promoting gender equality, mitigating the risk of Gender-Based Violence, and delivering comprehensive services for refugee survivors.

” The refugee response brought together partners, organizations, and the government to collaborate seamlessly. Now is not the time to do less for refugees. In Moldova, we are driven by a strong political commitment to effect positive change on gender issues. While making strides in promoting gender equality, we recognize it is time to address gender-based violence.” Said Minister Buzu addressing the Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence discussion panel.

The government has vowed to join the Global Alliance to End Statelessness. Furthermore, the government is dedicated to guaranteeing full enrolment and access to quality, inclusive education for all refugee children within the Moldovan education system.

“Ensuring safe stay and access to rights and services for refugees is a priority in our country. It is essential to safeguard the rights of those who sought temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova, and to collectively work for durable solutions.” Said Minister Efros addressing the session on the Ukraine Situation.

Additionally, the Municipality of Straseni is pledging to facilitate the socio-economic inclusion of refugees into their community, and the United Nations Country team has also reinforced their commitment to refugees.

“The Republic of Moldova continues to present a remarkable example.” Said Francesca Bonelli UNHCR Representative “Since the 24^th of February, the country took brave strides in creating a safe and welcoming environment for refugees. The Moldovan example is worthy to be supported, appreciated, and followed.

The Global Refugee Forum 2023 will take place from 13 to 15 December at the Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, with side events held in other locations. The 2023 Forum is co-convened by five States – Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda, and co-hosted by the Government of Switzerland and UNHCR.

Held every four years, the Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It is designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin. It provides the opportunity for States and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made, share good practices, and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For detailed information about the pledges of the Republic of Moldova, visit the Pledges and Contributions dashboard

The Republic of Moldova leads the 2023 Global Refugee Forum with nine pledges, focusing on refugee inclusion, child rights, gender equality, education, and ending statelessness.

The Republic of Moldova leads the 2023 Global Refugee Forum with nine pledges, focusing on refugee inclusion, child rights, gender equality, education, and ending statelessness.

The Republic of Moldova leads the 2023 Global Refugee Forum with nine pledges, focusing on refugee inclusion, child rights, gender equality, education, and ending statelessness.

The Republic of Moldova leads the 2023 Global Refugee Forum with nine pledges, focusing on refugee inclusion, child rights, gender equality, education, and ending statelessness.

The Republic of Moldova leads the 2023 Global Refugee Forum with nine pledges, focusing on refugee inclusion, child rights, gender equality, education, and ending statelessness.

During a two-week mission to the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Poland, UNHCR Regional Director for Europe witnessed the conditions across the region and appealed for urgent renewed support for the coming year, to enable UNHCR to respond to the needs of those impacted by the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine.

UNHCR’s Regional Director for Europe, Philippe Leclerc, spent the past two weeks witnessing the situation of Ukrainian refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and war-affected

communities in Ukraine and in the neighbouring Republic of Moldova and Poland. Some 6.3 million refugees from Ukraine remain uprooted from their homes, while 3.7 million people remain internally displaced in Ukraine.

“This past fortnight has been extremely eye-opening. Despite the outpouring of solidarity and generosity we witnessed across Europe following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, there are significant challenges which remain for refugees as well as those in Ukraine impacted by the ongoing full-scale war,” said Leclerc.

In Moldova, the country hosting the highest number of refugees from Ukraine per capita, Leclerc met with the Moldovan authorities and expressed his gratitude for the continued solidarity and generosity shown to refugees from Ukraine, despite significant national challenges. He also met with refugee children and youth receiving support through UNHCR and partners, visited two of the Community Centres that promote inclusion and diversity in the country, and witnessed the impact of cash assistance on improving the daily lives of refugees and locals alike.

“So far this year, UNHCR has supported almost 950,000 people in Ukraine and neighbouring countries hosting refugees with cash assistance. This is essential in supporting national systems, and in ensuring that the most vulnerable can meet their basic needs with dignity,” said Leclerc.

From Moldova, Leclerc travelled to Ukraine where he met with Ukrainian authorities and visited Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro and Kyiv regions which have been deeply impacted by the full-scale war, continuous shelling and destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure. In 2023 so far, UNHCR in Ukraine and partners have reached more than 2.4 million people with protection services like free legal aid and psychosocial support, cash and in-kind assistance, emergency shelter materials and house and collective centre repairs.

In Kryvyi Rih, Leclerc met with internally displaced people who had been forced to leave their homes. 61-year-old Olha Myronova was forced to flee her home in Bahmut earlier this year, having spent months in her basement hiding from shelling. Olha received cash assistance and is waiting to receive a winterization top-up to help her through the harsh winter months.

Leclerc concluded his visit to the region in Poland, where he met with UNHCR partners, regional and local authorities in the city of Lublin, and refugees at a shelter run by a local foundation. He also visited a job fair in Lublin supported by UNHCR and partners. This is part of major ongoing efforts to foster the inclusion of refugees in the labour market, providing them with the opportunity to meet with employers in Poland directly. To date, some 42 per cent of refugees from Ukraine across neighbouring countries have managed to secure employment.

However, the vast majority have continued to express the desire to return once conditions are safe to do so, among them many vulnerable people. Irina, a 55-year-old refugee from Ukraine currently hosted in Poland, emphasized that “while we appreciate very much the support provided to us…we are keen to return and reunite with our families as soon as the war will be over. We appreciate the hospitality of Poland a lot, but home is home.”

As we approach the end of 2023, UNHCR in Ukraine is just two-thirds funded, and some 74 per cent funded in the neighbouring countries. UNHCR’s financial requirements for the Ukraine Situation in 2024 amount to USD 993 million, including Ukraine with a budget of USD 599 million.

“I’m deeply concerned that if we don’t see renewed support from the international community for the Ukraine situation, we may be forced to cut essential activities. Almost two years into the devastating full-scale war in Ukraine, humanitarian needs remain high. We cannot forget those forced to flee Ukraine, or those in Ukraine who need our support” added Leclerc.

Chişinău- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency launched the Community Forum 2023. A platform aimed at building the capacity of the local grassroots initiatives led by the refugees and local communities, by providing them with the necessary tools to access funding opportunities and to create a platform for networking, experience exchange, and collaboration.

Representatives of refugee communities, host communities, Ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ+, youth, older persons, local authorities, and volunteers convened for two days in a collaborative environment to work on developing an understanding of the changing humanitarian space and needs, and to acquire the necessary skills to navigate the shifting demands of the people in need.

“The launch of the Community Forum 2023 signifies a significant step toward building stronger, more resilient communities.” Said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR representative in the Republic of Moldova “By fostering collaboration between refugee and host community organizations, we aim to create a space where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and solutions are co-created. This platform is not just a forum; it’s a movement towards a more connected, supportive, and sustainable future.”

The two-day presentations and discussions were led by refugee and Moldavan activists, humanitarians, and entrepreneurs who opted to participate amid an open call by UNHCR for interested entities and initiatives. The discussions included presentations of good practices in fundraising, project management, community engagement and mobilisation, and communication.

UNHCR prioritise building local capacities to encourage self-reliance to increase the cost-effectiveness of humanitarian programmes. And to prepare the humanitarian actors for the shift towards more durable solutions for refugees and the communities hosting them.

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

With broad participation of refugee and community-led initiatives, UNHCR launched the first Community Forum in the Republic of Moldova

Chişinău 4^th September 2023 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the generous contribution of EUR 1,500,000 from the Austrian Development Agency and EUR 1,071,415 from the State Secretariat for Migration of Switzerland. These funds will enable UNHCR to continue supporting the Government of Moldova in ensuring access to temporary protection and enhancing the self-reliance and integration of refugees while also supporting local communities.

This contribution will help to build upon UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in protecting the rights of refugees through providing guidance, technical assistance, and capacity building for national authorities.  It will further enable the Moldovan authorities and UNHCR to extend outreach and information sharing with refugees, to ensure they secure legal status in Moldova and can access the opportunities available in the country.

It will also go towards building a more inclusive work environment by supporting the Moldovan National Agency for Employment to provide refugees with vocational training to enhance their employability in local labour markets. UNHCR and local partners will continue supporting employment facilitation, Romanian language courses, and day-care centres for children whose parents are working or studying.

“This gesture of solidarity showcases the impactful difference that can be made through international collaboration. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Austria and Switzerland for their firm support in aiding both refugees and the Moldovan community that welcomes them. This contribution will help to accelerate the integration of refugees and strengthen the capacity of local services to benefit both communities,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in Moldova.

Moldova has received more refugee 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 of Ukraine in February 2022. Over 109,000 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.

Further information for journalists

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

• 120,500 refugees received cash assistance since the 24th of February 2022 (over USD 114.8M disbursed to refugees)
• 167,494 refugees supported with legal assistance since 24th of February 2022
• 2,444 refugees are now hosted in 53 refugee accommodation centres supported by UNHCR

Chisinau, 1^st of August 2023 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova signed a memorandum of understanding in which by it both parties affirm their commitment to strengthen mutual understanding, and bridge the gaps between refugees, local communities, and people with different cultural backgrounds.

UNHCR will support the creation of cultural events, exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities that promote intercultural dialogue. Furthermore, The Ministry of Culture and UNHCR will develop and implement joint activities to foster cultural integration and social inclusion among refugees and asylum-seekers through art, music, and choreography. This will provide opportunities for individuals to engage in music-related and choreography activities, such as workshops, training programs, and performances, where they can express their cultural heritage and develop their musical talents.

“Art, music, and dance are powerful means of expression in which refugees process their experiences,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova “Art also fosters a sense of belonging and connection among refugee and local communities, something invaluable for refugees especially youth and children living away from their home countries”.

Cultural inclusion of refugees provides a space for open communication where they find ways to contribute to local communities and encourage mutual respect. It is the most effective way of helping refugees to rebuild their lives.

To show solidarity with refugees, and to recognize their importance and contributions to society, The Government of the Republic of Moldova have declared the year 2023 as the Year of Ukrainian Culture in Moldova.

“This collaboration aims to foster social cohesion and mutual respect by providing platforms for cultural expression and interaction.” Said Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova “And through these platforms, individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, share their unique perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue, ultimately strengthening their understanding and appreciation of one another. This initiative will nurture a sense of unity and interconnectedness, to create a more inclusive and harmonious society”.

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.

Additional Information for Journalists

• As of 30 July 2023, out of the total 889,269 arrivals, 109,229 Ukrainian refugees are currently hosted in Moldova, 59 per cent of whom are women and girls, and 46% are children.
• Since the beginning of the refugee influx, UNHCR alone has delivered more than US$100 million worth of assistance and support in Moldova, in addition to the contributions of other humanitarian and development actors, as well as direct bilateral donor support to the Government.

Chişinău 19 July 2023. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the contribution of USD 11,600,000 from the Government of the United States of America for crucial humanitarian assistance to refugees and host communities, asylum-seekers, and stateless people in the Republic of Moldova.

The United States’ generous contribution helps build upon UNHCR’s support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova in ensuring access to temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine and their families, expediting refugee inclusion and supporting local communities hosting refugees.

“The United States has always demonstrated unwavering support for forcibly displaced people around the world as well as the communities who receive them, ensuring that refugees find solace, security, and hope when they need it most,” notes Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Representative for the Republic of Moldova.

This contribution will strengthen local capacity in providing community services for refugees and local communities alike, emphasizing important opportunities for an inclusive and friendly environment for refugees in the country. Also, the donation will facilitate vulnerable refugees’ access to targeted cash assistance to help meet basic needs, increase resilience, and allow them to contribute to local economies.

The United States of America continues its substantial support to UNHCR’s Moldova operation, building upon its sizable contribution in 2022 as the top individual donor to its operation in the Republic of Moldova.

“The United States is committed to supporting refugees and vulnerable migrants in Moldova and around the world, and this contribution is an example of that continued commitment,” said Kent Logsdon, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.  “We commend the Moldovan government, people, and important international partners like UNHCR for their outstanding response to the humanitarian crisis brought on by Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.”

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. Over 106,000 refugees from Ukraine now remain in Moldova, the vast majority of whom are women, children, and older people.

UNHCR in 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 of Moldova in co-leading the interagency humanitarian response aligned with the Regional Response Plan (RRP) for the Ukraine Situation.

Further information for journalists

• 117,468 refugees received cash assistance since 24 February 2022 (over USD 103.2M disbursed to refugees)
• 152,087 refugees supported with legal assistance since 24 February 2022
• 2,279 refugees are now hosted in 53 refugee accommodation centres supported by UNHCR
• UNHCR and its partners provided 5,040 refugees with psychosocial support and psychological first aid since 24 February 2022

Chișinău, 26 June 2023. The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and Low Vision Centre Moldova joined forces this week with the Republic of Moldova’s Ministry of Health, Ungheni City Hall and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to launch temporary eye clinics in Chişinău and Ungheni.  These clinics will offer free eyecare services to Moldovans and refugees alike, in Chişinău from 26-28 June and in Ungheni from 30 June to 1 July.

“I haven’t have my eyes checked in a long time,” said Valentina, an 84-year-old refugee from Ukraine. “I heard people talk about the free clinics and registered. Eye care is usually expensive but I got two pairs of prescription glasses for free here.”

This project aims to improve eyecare services for refugees and Moldovans in these areas by distributing eyeglasses to at least 1,000 individuals as well as supporting training for local eyecare professionals. Collaborating with the Low Vision Centre, the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation will bring volunteer technicians from Italy, eye measurement equipment, and eyeglasses for these temporary clinics.  “We are pleased to offer free eyecare services and eyeglasses to refugees and host communities in Chişinău and Ungheni,” explains Frédéric Corbasson, the Executive Director of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation.

OneSight’s technicians will work alongside local volunteers, including from NGOs, students from the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova, and the Ungheni City Hall.  In addition to helping provide eye care services to the public, the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation will donate the equipment they brought to the Low Vision Centre and conduct training sessions for local colleagues and university students.

“We are grateful to OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation and the Low Vision Centre for helping so many refugees and Moldovans see better,” said UNHCR Country Representative for the Republic of Moldova Francesca Bonelli.  “Private sector partnerships like this show solidarity through concrete support to both refugees and host communities alike.”

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

Free, temporary eye clinics to open in Chişinău and Ungheni for refugees and Moldovans

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