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UNHCR will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in managing the refugee crisis

UNHCR will continue to support the Republic of Moldova in managing the refugee crisis

(Unofficial Translation)

(Guvernul Republicii Moldova)  The measures taken by the national authorities to manage the refugee crisis and the actions planned for next year in order to support the Ukrainian citizens who are on the territory of the Republic of Moldova due to the war were discussed at the meeting of Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița with the representative of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in the Republic of Moldova, Francesca Bonelli.

The Prime Minister appreciated UNHCR’s support, which increased the Government’s response capacity and contributed to the development of effective mechanisms through which both Ukrainian refugees and their host families and communities can benefit from aid. The Prime Minister praised the unity and hospitality of the people of the Republic of Moldova, which mobilized to provide the Ukrainians with the necessary support.

“The solidarity shown by our people has changed the image of the Republic of Moldova throughout the world. At the same time, external partners, taking into account our limited resources, helped us to face the challenges and support the families who hosted Ukrainian citizens. It is admirable that we have all organized ourselves in such a way as to manage this crisis in a professional way”, said Natalia Gavrilița.

For her part, Francesca Bonelli thanked the government team for the work done and the openness to solving the problems related to the large flow of refugees: “The effort made by the Government during this period is incredible. Thanks to the involvement of the state institutions, but also of the citizens who reacted promptly and with a lot of empathy, Moldova has become a global example in the management of this crisis”.

The parties exchanged views on the cooperation framework for the next period. According to the prime minister, among the priorities are the expansion of temporary protection for refugees from Ukraine and the inclusion of refugee children in the school environment. In this sense, a series of Romanian language courses will be organized for children and adults, as well as support actions for educational institutions that also cover the refugee component.

Currently, over 7,800,000 people have left the territory of Ukraine, of which about 726,000 have transited to the Republic of Moldova. Currently, there are about 88,000 Ukrainian citizens on the territory of our country.

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION AND UN AGENCIES JOIN HANDS TO SUPPORT THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL PROTECTION AND UN AGENCIES JOIN HANDS TO SUPPORT THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM

25 of November 2022, CHIȘINĂU – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to provide emergency cash assistance to crisis-affected populations and integrate shock response into the national social protection system in the Republic of Moldova. This programme is the first of its kind at its scale in Moldova, enabling a holistic and inclusive approach that will enable communities to become more shock resistant.

The programme was officially launched on the 25th of November with the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari; UN Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett; and the Heads of the UN Missions: Nigina Abaszada for UNFPA; Francesca Bonelli for UNHCR; Maha Damaj for UNICEF; Lars Lonnback for IOM; and Jonathan Campbell for WFP.

“This joint project shows international solidarity with Moldova and its people; these international funds complement government assistance programs and will allow us to make cash transfers to 40,000 of the most vulnerable families affected by the increase in energy and food prices that are worrying so many households. It will also allow us to have technical support to meet the additional demands brought by the current situation”, stated the Minister of Labour and Social Protection, Marcel Spatari.

UN Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett noted that “We all feel the enormity of responsibility to support citizens and communities amidst the current and likely prolonged period of uncertainty and instability and to ensure that no one is left behind.  From the beginning, the UN in Moldova was committed to a joint coordinated response that complements the refugee emergency response with development interventions addressing the impacts of the socio-economic crises”.

“The eligibility criteria for the programme were established through a mutual agreement between the UN agencies and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. The eligible families will benefit from MDL 700 financial aid monthly in the next 6 months. The selection will be done through the already existing “Ajutor Social” and “APRA” systems”, said Jonathan Campbell, Emergency Coordinator of WFP Moldova.

Factors deciding family eligibility for this assistance include families already selected for Ajutor Social or APRA; whether any family member has a degree of disability; the family consists of a single parent with children aged between 0-17; families with at least 3 children aged 0-17; families with pregnant or breastfeeding women with at least one child between the ages of 0-2.

“While the people of Moldova have shown unstinting solidarity by hosting the large number of refugees, this has squeezed existing resources and coping mechanisms of ordinary families. In order to sustain social cohesion among communities, we must not forget about the children in Moldova, who are the most vulnerable collateral victims of the war in Ukraine and who must always be protected” said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative.

“UNFPA prioritises the special needs of pregnant and lactating women who face multiple levels of vulnerability during times of crisis.  It is important that this programme will increase the access of women and girls to services.  There is robust evidence that cash assistance to pregnant and lactating women increase their service utilisation for earlier and more frequent antenatal care and skilled birth attendance, which has a direct impact on improving maternal health outcomes” said Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Resident Representative 

UNHCR Country Representative Francesca Bonelli emphasised that “the people and Government of this country have set a global example in how they have received refugees from Ukraine –  and the MoU signed recently for the programme is one way for the international community to share that responsibility. UN support for Moldova’s social protection systems means that more Moldovans and refugees will get help when they need it.”

“IOM’s contribution to emergency cash provision for vulnerable Moldovans during this challenging winter will enable even more Moldovan families in need to receive much needed support. By joining hands with our UN partners and under the leadership of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, we are reaching out to people in need this winter: not only to vulnerable refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine, but also, through this project and others, to vulnerable Moldovans who would otherwise struggle during the cold months. We are all in this together. Beyond the winter, we will continue our support to the Government of the Republic of Moldova and its social protection mechanisms to ensure they are robust and can support all vulnerable people in the country”, stated Lars Johan Lönnback, Chief of Mission, IOM Moldova

Thanks to the generous support of donors to the above-mentioned UN agencies, this programme will reach vulnerable Moldovans throughout the Republic with financial support to help meet their essential needs over the winter.

 

#     #    #

The UN agencies UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM and WFP, involved in the programme, have a mandate that integrates humanitarian interventions with government social protection system-strengthening, and have extensive global experience in contexts of fragility, displacement and conflict. Their experience in providing cash transfers in emergencies, emergency preparedness and shock-responsive social protection, and expertise in refugee and forced displacement crises make the agencies well placed to work effectively with governments and partners to assist vulnerable families and to ensure better preparedness to respond to shocks.

 

For more information, please contact us on the following email addresses and phone numbers:

For MLSP: Diana Blanaru, Head of Communications Department; +37369750710; [email protected]

For UNFPA: Ene Tuyliyeva, Communications Analyst, +37360246241; [email protected]

For UNHCR: Irina Odobescu, Communications Associate; +37369166030; [email protected]

For UNICEF: Angela Munteanu, Communications Officer; +37369123630; [email protected]

For IOM: Riccardo Severi, Communication and Information Officer; +37360407660; [email protected]

For WFP:  Daniela Oleinic, Communications Associate; +373 68302207; [email protected]

UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth

UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth

Chisinau, Moldova, 25 November 2022: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency hosted a roundtable discussion yesterday on refugee inclusion and economic growth.  “Moldova has set an example for the world in fulfilling the vision of the Global Compact on Refugees,” said Gillian Triggs, UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.  “The roundtable explored how to ensure refugee inclusion and economic growth along with both humanitarian and development actors.” 

The roundtable comprises a discussion on two aspects of stabilizing development support to refugees and host communities alike. The first session focused on operationalizing a temporary protection regime for refugees from Ukraine.  Minister of Labour and Social Protection Marcel Spatari explained: “Under the provisions of the Commission for Emergency Situations, some temporary facilities and rights have been granted to refugees from Ukraine in our country. In a context where the conflict is growing in Ukraine, we must be prepared with the necessary instruments to safely manage the flow of refugees and provide them with adequate forms of social protection, including in the long term, in order to facilitate social inclusion.”   

 

This emphasis on inclusion was echoed by many participants.  Jana Costachi, State Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs highlighted the need for  “a holistic approach because it is not only about people and the help given to them, but also about securing a person in need.”  She also drew attention to pressures on institutional resources and attention at a time when the Government is facing multiple challenges at once. 

The second session discussed how different actors around the table could collaborate to promote inclusive economic growth. “A focus on a comprehensive transition towards resilience-based, long-term development solutions is needed, with more investment creating opportunities for sustainable development ensuring no one is left behind,” noted United Nations Resident Coordinator Simon Springett. “UN Moldova support to the Government will continue to focus on strengthening and supporting national systems to build resilience against future shocks and crisis, and to enhance social protection schemes benefiting both vulnerable refugees and Moldovans, families and children while promoting social cohesion.”  

 

Participants represented different sectors of society: all levels of government, local authorities, civil society, refugees, state partners, development actors, financial institutions, and international organizations. Sajjad Malik, Director of UNHCR’s Division of Resilience and Solutions, underscored that “a whole-of-society approach is essential to allow refugees to contribute to their host communities.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ganna Sokur, a refugee from Ukraine who represented the NGO initiative Moldova for Peace, presented her own example of arriving at a master’s degree and a desire to actively contribute to her community.  She added: There are many favourable bases for refugee inclusion here, such as similarity of mentality, culture, and language.  Targeted help, for those refugees that need particular support, is important to maximize these prospects.”   

The Republic of Moldova has received nearly 698,000 arrivals from Ukraine and currently hosts over 96,600 refugees from Ukraine. A substantial number of those who remain in Moldova are women, children, and elderly refugees.

221124 UNHCR MDACH Roundtable-20

UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth

221124 UNHCR MDACH Roundtable-11

UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth

221124 UNHCR MDACH Roundtable-17

UNHCR hosts roundtable discussion on refugee inclusion and economic growth

United Nations, Government and NGOs launch the joint campaign to break the silence around gender-based violence in refugee and host communities

United Nations, Government and NGOs launch the joint campaign to break the silence around gender-based violence in refugee and host communities

 

“Break the silence. We stand by you.” is a campaign launched today by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the empowerment of Women (UN Women), International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) jointly with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova on behalf of the coordination mechanism on gender-based violence in humanitarian settings, the Intersectoral Gender-based Violence (GBV) Sub-Working Group.  

The campaign aims to spread a clear message of zero tolerance of all forms of GBV and to raise the awareness of the refugee and host communities on the existing prevention and response services to gender-based violence in the Republic of Moldova. 

The campaign kicks off during the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence against women and girls campaign, which calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end the global pandemic of violence against women and girls. The activities fall under the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE initiative to end gender-based violence by 2030.

The “Break the silence. We stand by you” joint campaign will run from November 2022 until March 2023 and will promote social cohesion, urging people from all walks of life to acknowledge, take a stand and act against gender-based violence.  

Through a series of community outreach events, media partnerships, and social media engagement, the partners will build on the ongoing dialogue about the issue, invite the service providers and the communities to create a supportive environment and raise awareness about the existing services, and foster accountability so that every humanitarian effort provides safe and comprehensive survivor-centered services to those affected or at risk of violence. 

In Moldova, 63 percent of women experienced psychological, physical, or sexual violence from their partners during their lifetime. Two in five women (40%) say that they have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of a partner or non-partner since the age of 15. Since the age of 15, nearly half of women (49%) indicate that they have been sexually harassed. More than one in five women (22%) report that they experienced a form of physical violence at the hands of an adult before they were 15 years old.

More than 65 percent of the Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Moldova are females.  Women and girls caught up in the conflict, on the move, and at border crossing points face increased risks of gender-based violence, exploitation, and abuse. Young women traveling alone are at increased risk of trafficking for sexual exploitation at border points where document control and registration processes are patchy.

The Intersectoral GBV Sub-working Group brings together more than 63 national and international organizations, women-led organizations, and government entities.  The members of the group partner to strengthen gender-based violence prevention, risk mitigation, and response, and ensure that refugee women and girls’ rights, including their right to live free from violence, remain at the center of Moldova’s humanitarian response.  

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, handed over two vehicles and a set of office equipment to the People’s Advocate Office of the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, handed over two vehicles and a set of office equipment to the People’s Advocate Office of the Republic of Moldova

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, handed over two vehicles and a set of office equipment to the People’s Advocate Office of the Republic of Moldova. The delivered equipment is part of UNHCR support to the Government of Moldova and its specialised agencies that work on issues of refugee protection and human rights.

“UNHCR is pleased to take this concrete step forward in our partnership with the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Country Representative. “This equipment will help them carry on with their great work ensuring the protection of refugees and people in need.”

Last August, UNHCR signed an agreement with the Office of the Ombudsman to strengthen their collaboration in support of the existing engagement with refugees, human rights, training, and building the capacities of the relevant authorities.

Currently, the Ombudsman Office co-chairs the Protection Working Group of the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF). The RCF is a joint coordination body headed by the Government of Moldova and UNHCR that brings together humanitarian actors in the country – including UN agencies, and civil society, with the national government counterparts, local authorities, the private sector, refugee-led organisations, and others – to cooperate in maintaining and improving the response for refugees from Ukraine and host communities.

“The high performance of the technical assistance provided by UNHCR will definitely help us to carry out our activities on monitoring the observance of refugee’s rights in a prompt and efficient way at the central and local level”, said Ceslav Panico, Ombudsman of the Republic of Moldova.

Since March 2022, the Republic of Moldova has received nearly 660,527 arrivals from Ukraine and currently hosts over 94,000 Ukrainian refugees. The Government, civil society, and people of Moldova exhibited a remarkable response to the refugees’ situation.  A substantial number of those who remain in Moldova are women, children, and elderly refugees, who often require particular support in accessing their rights in practice.

UNHCR and the Republic of Moldova’s Ombudsman Join Forces to Bolster Advocacy and Support for the Human Rights of Refugees and Host Communities

UNHCR and the Republic of Moldova’s Ombudsman Join Forces to Bolster Advocacy and Support for the Human Rights of Refugees and Host Communities

Chisinau, Moldova, 24 August 2022: –  UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency recently signed a new agreement with the Oficiul Avocatului Poprului [Office of the Ombudsman] for the Republic of Moldova to strengthen their collaboration in support of human rights for refugees and others under UNHCR’s mandate in the country. This agreement builds upon the Ombudsman’s existing engagement with issues of refugee protection, including rights monitoring, as well as training for relevant authorities.

“I am pleased to reinforce this important partnership with a key advocate for human rights in the Republic of Moldova,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR’s Country Representative.  “UNHCR’s support, on top of the Ombudsman’s already notable expertise, will help further improve our collective understanding of human rights in this response and how we can respond together for both refugees from Ukraine and host communities.”

As a concrete sign of their deepening engagement with the refugee response, the Ombudsman´s office agreed to co-chair the Protection Working Group of the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF).  The RCF is a joint coordination body headed by the Government of Moldova and UNHCR that brings together humanitarian actors in the country – including UN agencies, civil society, national government counterparts, local authorities, the private sector, refugee-led organizations, and others – to cooperate in maintaining and improving the response for refugees from Ukraine and host communities.

“Certainly, this collaborative partnership brings added value to the Office of the People’s Advocate to strengthen the protection and promotion capacities of refugees’ rights on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and I am glad that together UNHCR and the Office of the People’s Advocate can contribute to the protection and respect of refugees’ rights, including those who need international protection”, said Ceslav Panico, Ombudsman of the Republic of Moldova.

The Republic of Moldova has received nearly 536,000 arrivals from Ukraine and currently hosts over 92,000 Ukrainian refugees.  A substantial number of those who remain in Moldova are women, children, and elderly refugees, who often require particular support in accessing their rights in practice.

Italy supporting the refugee response in Moldova through UNHCR

Italy supporting the refugee response in Moldova through UNHCR

Chisinau, Moldova, 20 September 2022: – Italy, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today handed over various equipment to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova (MIA) to support the government’s response to the refugee emergency from Ukraine.

Since the start of the refugee crisis in Ukraine due to the ongoing armed conflict, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has mobilized its workforce, to ensure the efficient, safe and humane management of the massive refugee inflows. It has adjusted its legislative framework to ensure border crossing points operate non-stop with maximum use of its infrastructure. Furthermore, the government with the support of UNHCR and the international community is taking firm steps toward enacting temporary protection measures for refugees. An act that will ensure a legal and safe stay of displaced people seeking safety in the country.

Ensuring safe and dignified crossing of refugees to our territory is a commitment that we honour” said Ana Revenco, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. “The support of our international friends such as Italy and UNHCR add to our effort to improve our capacity and preparedness to respond when needed”.

The donated equipment which includes vehicles, power generators, computers, and office equipment will be used by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to strengthen their mobility and increase their monitoring capacity. With a contribution of over USD10M, Italy supports the refugee response in Moldova in addition to boosting the government’s social protection capacity for the benefit of displaced people and local communities as well.

“Since the beginning of the ongoing war, Italy has been supporting Moldova, both financially and in kind, in its efficient management of the Refugees flow from Ukraine”. Said Lorenzo Tomassoni, The Ambassador of Italy in Moldova. “I commend the people of Moldova for their hospitality and Moldovan Institutions, starting with Border Police, for their sense of duty. We are very satisfied with our cooperation with the UNHCR, which is making the best out of our 10 million euros funding. It’s not only the vehicles donated today to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, nor the monthly cash assistance provided to over 80.000 Refugees. I am also referring to the crucial expertise that is helping Moldova to rapidly shape its legislation on Temporary Protection in compliance with EU standards, thus contributing to the strategic goal of EU accession.”

UNHCR is bolstering its capacity in Moldova, extending international support to the refugees, and providing much-needed humanitarian supplies through the government of the Republic of Moldova.

“Italy is amongst UNHCR’s top donors in Moldova,”, said Francesca Bonelli, the UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “We are thankful for the generous support provided to the government and people of Moldova who exhibited remarkable hospitality for refugees since the start of the crisis.”

As of 15 September, over 608,694 refugees from Ukraine entered Moldova. The majority have moved on to other European countries, with some 90,655 still generously hosted in the country.

UNHCR and LOALATA commission Moldova for Peace Community Centre – a space for involvement, development, and integration.

UNHCR and LOALATA commission Moldova for Peace Community Centre – a space for involvement, development, and integration.

Chișinău, Moldova, 19 July 2022: The newly renovated Moldova for Peace Community Centre 151 is now open to Ukrainian refugees and local citizens alike, thanks to the generous support of the United States and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This centre provides a safe space for refugee and Moldovan women, children, and youth to interact, connect and seek services together on an equal basis.  The official launch event today featured the US Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon, Ukrainian Ambassador Marko Shevchenko, State Secretary Jana Costachi, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova Francesca Bonelli.

Ludmila Adamciuc, the community centre administrator, expressed appreciation for the USA’s and UNHCR’s help renovating the building and building up the services provided there, which include Romanian and English language lessons for children and adults, 3D printing, and other entertainment for children. During the visit today, the group had a tour of the centre.

“In our community centre, we respond to the urgent needs of refugees and the local community. One of its main goals is to help refugees connect and integrate with local communities”, said Ludmila Adamciuc.

The US Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon donated Ukrainian language children’s books to the centre. Also, he recited a poem that a refugee wrote in Moldova. Refugee children in Moldova will receive 12,000 books in Ukrainian, as part of a humanitarian initiative led by the Ukrainian Book Institute under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenskaya.

“I’m pleased today to celebrate the critically important work of Moldova for Peace. It has been inspiring to see the generous and effective response of the Moldovan people and government providing Ukrainian refugees protection and shelter throughout this difficult time. The United States remains committed to supporting the Moldovan response. On July 9, Secretary of State Blinken announced an additional $45 million in support for Moldova’s humanitarian response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, for a total of $75 million since February,” said U.S. Ambassador Kent D. Logsdon.

And Jana Costachi the State Secretary of the Minister of Internal Affairs spoke about the importance of helping refugees integrate with their local communities.

“The social inclusion of refugees in Ukraine is practically impossible without the direct involvement of civil society, through the creation of community centres. The Migration and Asylum Office of the Ministry of Interior has a multidimensional experience of collaboration with civil society, especially in terms of programs dedicated to facilitating the integration of refugees into the life of the host society. The creation of such a centre is another beautiful result of the sustainable and long-term partnership that public institutions have with civil society representatives, who take over and share common responsibilities for the benefit and support of refugees”, said Jana Costachi.

“This centre is a safe space for all. Its significance goes beyond the activities it provides; it is a place where everyone can contribute their energy and strength to the same community”, said Francesca Bonelli, the UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “The people and Government of the Republic of Moldova have demonstrated incredible solidarity with refugees fleeing Ukraine, and this centre is part of that example for the world. Moldova for Peace is like a family working together, with empathy for their neighbours, to build an inclusive and welcoming community.”

Moldova for Peace is a civic initiative created to provide assistance to refugees who fled Ukraine since the first day of the war. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Moldova for Peace has contributed to efforts to help refugees and host communities manage the consequences of displacement.

As of 19 July, there have been nearly 540,000 refugee arrivals into Moldova from Ukraine.  86,000 refugees from Ukraine remain in the country, most of whom are women and children.

UN welcomes and supports initiative to fast-track transfer of people fleeing Ukraine to Romania through Moldova

UN welcomes and supports initiative to fast-track transfer of people fleeing Ukraine to Romania through Moldova

Chisinau, 10 March 2022 – The Moldovan and Romanian Governments, supported by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration, IOM have set in place the transfer of people who fled Ukraine, including third-country nationals, from southern Moldova to Romania, a journey of some 230 kilometres. The first convoy departed the Palanca border crossing point this morning, transporting 250 refugees to Husi in Romania.

As of 10 March, over 300,000 people have fled Ukraine into Mold

ova with 83,000 refugees staying in the country. Many more may come should the situation in the southwest of Ukraine deteriorate.

The Government of Romania is generously stepping forward in solidarity with the Republic of Moldova, to support them in managing the reception of those refugees fleeing Ukraine in huge numbers.

“We are grateful to the Governments of the Republic of Moldova and Romania, and all countries neighbouring Ukraine for their rapid response and generosity,” said Lars Johan Lonnback, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Moldova.

“The number one priority is to ensure that all those fleeing the war have protection, shelter, basic needs, and support services, including psychosocial assistance. Safe onward transport will ensure crowds do not build up at border crossings putting added pressure on the existing infrastructure and will help protect women and girls from the risks of human trafficking and gender-based violence” he added.

UNHCR and IOM in Romania are providing eight buses to transfer the refugees between the Border Crossing Points of Palanca in Moldova and Albite in Romania, where the Moldovan and Romanian Border Police will carry out crossing formalities.

The final stop will be in the Romanian town of Husi, where the Romanian Department for Emergency Situations has organized a transit facility. From there the refugees will be transferred to other locations in Romania, according to their respective needs.

“This is a commendable initiative and an excellent demonstration of solidarity

with the people and Government of the Republic of Moldova and also reflects the excellent collaboration with the Romanian authorities to address pressing challenges”, said Roland Schilling, UNHCR Representative for Central Europe.

“The initiative of the two countries is very much in line with the global commitments outlined in the Global Compact on Refugees, for equitable responsibility sharing, which UNHCR has always been advocating for” he added.

IOM and UNHCR are also in discussion with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova about the opening of new crossing points between Ukraine and Moldova and are sourcing mobile document readers to ensure people are registered upon arrival in Moldova, prior to onward movement, and to ensure that their needs are met.

For further information please contact

In Chisinau:

Joe Lowry, IOM regional spokesperson on +373 6869 7118, [email protected]

Kisut Gebre Egziabher on +373 677 22468, [email protected]

In Bucharest:

Lucien Stirb, Communication Officer on +40 747 223 993, [email protected]

Gabriela Leu, Communications Associate on +40 722 212 097, [email protected]

In Brussels:

Ryan Schroeder, Regional Media, and Communication officer on +32485597348, [email protected]

In Geneva:

Safa Msehli, [email protected] +41794035526

Louise Donovan, [email protected] +41767680010