Number of people uprooted by war at shocking, decade-high levels
GENEVA – The number of people displaced by war, violence, and persecution worldwide remains unbearably high, especially as humanitarian funding continues to shrink. The only positive development is an increase in returns, particularly to Syria, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said today.
According to UNHCR’s annual Global Trends Report released today, by the end of April 2025, there were 122.1 million forcibly displaced people globally, up from 120 million at the same time last year. This marks about a decade of consecutive yearly increases in the number of refugees and others forced to flee their homes. The main drivers of displacement remain large-scale conflicts such as those in Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine, alongside the ongoing failure to end the fighting.
Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, said:
“We are living in a time of intense volatility in international relations, with modern warfare creating a fragile and harrowing landscape marked by acute human suffering. We must redouble our efforts to search for peace and find long-lasting solutions for refugees and others forced to flee their homes.”
Forcibly displaced people include those internally displaced by conflict, whose numbers rose sharply by 6.3 million to reach 73.5 million by the end of 2024, as well as refugees fleeing across borders (42.7 million people). Sudan is now the world’s largest forced displacement crisis, with 14.3 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), surpassing Syria (13.5 million), followed by Afghanistan (10.3 million) and Ukraine (8.8 million).
The report highlights that, contrary to widespread perceptions in wealthier regions, 67 percent of refugees remain in neighbouring countries, and low- and middle-income countries host 73 percent of the world’s refugees. Indeed, 60 percent of forcibly displaced people never leave their own country.
While the number of forcibly displaced people has nearly doubled over the past decade, UNHCR’s funding remains roughly at 2015 levels amid severe and ongoing cuts to humanitarian aid. This situation is unsustainable and leaves refugees and others fleeing danger even more vulnerable.
“Even amid devastating cuts, we have seen some rays of hope over the last six months,” Grandi added. “Nearly two million Syrians have been able to return home after more than a decade uprooted. The country remains fragile and people need our help to rebuild their lives.”
In total, 9.8 million forcibly displaced people returned home in 2024, including 1.6 million refugees (the highest number in over two decades) and 8.2 million IDPs (the second-highest ever). Many returns, however, occurred amid adverse political or security conditions. For example, a large number of Afghans were forced to return to Afghanistan in 2024, arriving home in desperate conditions. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and South Sudan, significant new forced displacements occurred simultaneously with refugee and IDP returns.
The report calls for continued funding of UNHCR programmes that save lives, assist refugees and IDPs returning home, and strengthen basic infrastructure and social services in host communities — an essential investment in regional and global security.
For more information, please contact UNHCR Geneva:
Matthew Saltmarsh: [email protected] | +41 79 967 99 36
Babar Baloch: [email protected] | +41 79 513 95 49
William Spindler: [email protected] | +41 79 549 59 98
Olga Sarrado: [email protected] | +41 797 402 307
Eujin Byun: [email protected] | +41 79 747 8719
The Ministry of Education and Research launches appeal for financial support to facilitate access to education for refugee children from Ukraine
The Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova is launching an appeal to international donors to mobilise technical and financial resources in support of integrating refugee children into the Moldovan education system. In partnership with UNICEF and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Ministry presented the Roadmap for the Integration of Refugee Children into the Education System of the Republic of Moldova during an event that brought together donors and development partners.
The document outlines a strategy for the 2025–2026 period and aims to ensure access to inclusive and quality education for all refugee children. Full implementation of the outlined measures requires an estimated total funding of €35.5 million in the next two years. The investment will benefit the overall education system.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun welcomed the efforts of all stakeholders involved in integrating refugee children into Moldova’s education system and stressed the importance of reinforcing these efforts.
“Through our joint efforts, Moldova’s education system will become more resilient and better equipped to integrate refugees from other countries. Until now, our system was not fully adapted to this task, and there is still a lack of understanding in society of how this process should take place. In essence, the Roadmap offers a triple impact: it supports the integration of Ukrainian refugees, facilitates the inclusion of other migrant and refugee children, and contributes to the reintegration of children from the Moldovan diaspora,” emphasised Minister Perciun.
“Today’s event marks an important new step. This roadmap is more than a policy document — it is a national statement of intent, a clear commitment to building an inclusive education system that leaves no child behind,” said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Representative in Moldova.
“Education is the one thing that refugees can put to practice wherever they are, supporting the growth of the hosting country and their own once they will be able to return. UNHCR will continue offering Romanian language and literacy classes, supporting school enrolment efforts, and working to ensure that schools are welcoming places that are free from bullying.” said Frederic Cussigh, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Moldova.
The Roadmap outlines concrete measures across several priority areas, including:
- Compensation for schools and kindergartens integrating refugee children;
- Recovery and accelerated learning programmes, including for Roma refugee children who have not previously attended school;
- Support for children with special educational needs;
- A preparatory year for intensive Romanian language, history, and culture courses;
- Extracurricular activities and investments in school infrastructure;
- Operation of EduTech laboratories for supervised online learning;
- Information and awareness campaigns to encourage school enrollment and counter misinformation.
According to the Ministry of Education and Research, more than 3,500 refugee children are currently enrolled in educational institutions across the Republic of Moldova. The total number of refugee children from Ukraine residing in Moldova is estimated at 15,579 school-age children and 9,844 preschool-age children.
The European Union Support Strengthens UNHCR’s Refugee Response in the Republic of Moldova
Chișinău, 7 May 2025 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the contribution of EUR 2.5 million in humanitarian funding from the European Union to provide multi-sectoral assistance to refugees from Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova. This funding will allow UNHCR and its partners to reach 19,000 vulnerable refugees with multi-purpose cash assistance and, among them, support 8,000 refugees through life-saving protection services, playing a critical role in safeguarding access to essential rights and tailored assistance for the most vulnerable.
Despite ongoing efforts, many refugees in Moldova face significant protection challenges. Unaccompanied children, persons with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence are especially at risk, often lacking access to legal aid, psychosocial support, and reliable information on their rights and available services. These needs are compounded by limited awareness of legal procedures, barriers to accessing specialised assistance, and the emotional toll of displacement. Identifying and responding to these vulnerabilities remains essential to ensuring safety, dignity, and access to protection for all displaced individuals.
The European Union contribution will support UNHCR to deliver protection services which will include legal and psychosocial support, as well as tailored assistance for the most vulnerable individuals. These services will be provided through protection desks at UNHCR’s cash enrolment centres, where trained staff offer legal counselling, information on rights and procedures, and referrals to specialised services from the government or the civil society. Ongoing protection monitoring and profiling will help identify evolving risks and ensure that programmes remain targeted and responsive.
Cash assistance empowers refugees to meet their basic needs with dignity while contributing to Moldova’s local economy. Yet, significant challenges persist, and many refugees remain economically insecure due to limited access to employment and the broader socio-economic challenges in Moldova. Without continued and adequate financial assistance, refugees are increasingly forced to adopt harmful coping mechanisms—such as reducing essential spending, using up limited savings, delaying rent and debt payments, or cutting back on healthcare and education. These behaviours are not only unsustainable but also heighten protection risks, especially for women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Humanitarian monitoring confirms that nearly half of refugee households resort to stress or crisis-level strategies to survive, underscoring the urgent need for sustained cash-based assistance to prevent further vulnerability and protect refugees from long-term harm.
‘Russia’s invasion has displaced millions of Ukrainians, forcing them to seek safety far from home. Their new reality is filled with hardship and uncertainty. That’s why the European Union remains firmly committed to supporting them — because together, we can help them face each day with strength and dignity’, says Marianna Franco, the Head of Office for the European Union Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine and Moldova.
Through this latest contribution, UNHCR will continue to provide vital cash assistance to the most vulnerable refugees, enabling them to meet basic needs, including winter-related expenses such as heating and utility costs. Vulnerability is assessed through a boosted targeting methodology based on a scorecard system, evaluating household composition, socio-economic status, specific needs, and access to resources to ensure assistance reaches those most at risk. Cash assistance remains the preferred form of support among refugees, offering flexibility to prioritise essentials like food, housing, and healthcare, while reducing logistical barriers and upholding dignity. This support not only helps families withstand immediate hardships but also strengthens Moldova’s transition from emergency assistance to longer-term inclusion by reinforcing national systems and bridging humanitarian response with sustainable development efforts. UNHCR remains committed to working closely with national and local partners to uphold the rights, dignity, and self-reliance of displaced and stateless persons.
UNHCR is deeply grateful to the European Union for its continued support to refugees and host communities in Moldova and globally. This enduring partnership has enabled UNHCR to extend protection and vital support to those most in need, while also sustaining operations and promoting long-term solutions. The latest contribution reflects the EU’s steadfast commitment to shared humanitarian values and plays a critical role in helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
For media inquiries:
In the Republic of Moldova:
Monica Vazquez: [email protected]
Bălți joins the Cities of Solidarity Initiative to promote refugee inclusion
Bălți, 24 April 2025 – The Municipality of Bălți 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 Bălți and UNHCR in the Republic of Moldova, formalising a shared commitment to work together for the inclusion of displaced persons in the city.
“The people of Bălți have demonstrated remarkable solidarity and compassion, opening their city to those forced to flee and providing them with a chance to rebuild their lives,” said Mayor Alexandr Petkov. “Today’s agreement between the Municipality of Bălți and UNHCR in the Republic of Moldova strengthens our commitment to building a community where everyone is welcome, valued, and supported.”
UNHCR has advanced localization by deepening engagement with national and community-based organizations, 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 organizations, 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 localization and evidence-based decision-making now forms the foundation upon which Bălți joins the Cities of Solidarity initiative.
“Bălți’s leadership highlights the essential role local authorities play in promoting peaceful coexistence, governance, and equal access to services for all residents,” said Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Moldova Representative. “While the Memorandum of Cooperation is signed with the municipality, the Cities of Solidarity is an strategic investment in local leadership, envisions participatory spaces for dialogue and joint problem-solving — bringing together local authorities, civil society, international partners, and community members to identify needs and co-create solutions that benefit everyone.”
“Responding to Ukranian refugees’ needs in Moldova is a top priority for Norway. We also emphasize the needs of vulnerable Moldovan households and Moldovan host communities. Visiting Bălți, meeting the city’s leadership and other UNCHR partners is rewarding and necessary to get impressions from projects Norway is supporting. We commend the local leadership” said H.E. Kamilla H. Kolshus, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău.
In Bălți, this commitment was further reflected in the municipality’s efforts to open dialogue with NGOs and community partners. The Cities of Solidarity platform provides an opportunity to build trust and shared ownership through open engagement with all sectors of society.
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation builds upon ongoing local efforts supported by UNHCR and partners that have been instrumental in advancing refugee inclusion, community development, and social cohesion initiatives in Bălți. These efforts have been made possible in part thanks to support from the Government of Norway and other international partners.
The signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation was followed by two other important events. First, the Peaceful Coexistence Project was inaugurated at the Public Sports Specialized School No.1, with a tour of the Academy, an opening ceremony, and a ribbon-cutting to officially launch the project promoting inclusion through sport. Later, a new Community Service Center (CSC) — the 8th of its kind across Moldova — opened its doors, marked by an official ceremony and a tour of the Center, showcasing the services and support now available to refugees and residents alike.
During the event, Mayor Alexandr Petkov expressed gratitude for the continued support provided not only to refugees, but to the host community as well, underlining the importance of inclusive support that strengthens social cohesion.
Bălți now formally joins Chișinău, Căușeni, Ungheni, Otaci, Cahul, and Comrat 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.
From left to right: Kamilla H. Kolshus, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Norwegian Embassy Office in Chișinău; Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova; and Alexandr Petkov, Mayor of Bălți. © UNHCR Moldova
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
[email protected]
+373 609 44 339
Denmark contributes to strengthening national protection capacities to improve refugees’ access to critical services in the Republic of Moldova
Chișinău, 14 April 2025 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is grateful for the contribution of DKK 5 million (USD 729,927) from the Government of Denmark, reaffirming its continued support to refugees from Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova. This funding arrives as, since the onset of the war in Ukraine, over 1.9 million refugees have passed through Moldova. As of March 2025, more than 70,900 have been granted Temporary Protection, with an additional 7,000 holding other forms of legal residency—highlighting Moldova’s continued efforts to provide protection and stability to refugees from Ukraine. This new contribution will directly support UNHCR’s efforts to reach up to 90,000 individuals in 2025 with protection and assistance. It will enable continued support to the Government of Moldova in expanding access to vital services and legal support in line with international and European standards. Furthermore, the funding will help address the basic needs of the most vulnerable refugees, contributing to their safety, dignity, and long-term inclusion.
These funds will enhance UNHCR’s support to the implementation of the National Programme for the Phased Integration of Foreigners, strengthen asylum and statelessness procedures, and improve access to legal aid and documentation. At the same time, will help expand access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection for refugees and stateless persons. By reinforcing local capacities and supporting decent work opportunities, language training, and inclusion in local development planning, this support will help refugees become more self-reliant and active members of their host communities.
In parallel, the contribution will help UNHCR provide timely assistance for those in vulnerable situations—such as access to safe spaces for children and support for individuals affected by gender violence. It will also help refugees meet their basic needs and promote pathways to long-term inclusion.
In 2024, UNHCR, with the support from Denmark and other donors, contributed to a broad range of protection and assistance efforts in Moldova that improved the lives of refugees and supported their inclusion into local systems. As part of these efforts, over 35,000 individuals received critical protection services and support. This included more than 24,000 refugees who accessed legal aid—helping to secure documentation, and consequently access to healthcare, employment, and education—around 15,000 children and caregivers benefited from child protection services, and over 4,000 refugees accessed livelihood opportunities. These results represent a portion of the overall impact and reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the Government’s capacity to include refugees into national systems.
For media inquiries:
Monica Vazquez: [email protected]
Comrat strengthens local commitment to refugee inclusion by joining the Cities of Solidarity initiative
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
European Union support enabled UNHCR to deliver critical assistance to Ukrainian refugees and Moldova’s most vulnerable
Chișinău, Moldova – 31 March 2025 – Between July 2023 and March 2025, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), reached over 78,000 people—including refugees from Ukraine and vulnerable Moldovans—with critical assistance to meet their basic needs, enhance protection, and promote long-term inclusion in national systems. This multi-sectoral humanitarian response was funded by a generous EUR 15 million allocation from the European Union Humanitarian Aid Operations.
With this contribution, UNHCR provided cash assistance to the most vulnerable refugee households, enabling them to cover essential expenses such as food, rent, and while also generating a positive impact on the local economy.
This action also reinforced protection services across Moldova. UNHCR expanded its network of protection desks, offering individual case support, information services, and referrals to specialized assistance. Protection monitoring was conducted regularly throughout 2024, enabling a data-informed response to the evolving refugee needs, identifying rights concerns, and ensuring timely interventions for those most at risk.
Beyond direct assistance, this humanitarian aid action invested in building Moldova’s capacity to sustainably include refugees in public systems. With support from the European Union, UNHCR worked closely with national and local authorities to strengthen access to education, social protection, employment, and health services for refugees. The humanitarian aid action helped bridge service gaps, support policy reforms, and foster area-based strategies tailored to local integration needs. As a result, Moldova is better prepared to shift from temporary protection models to long-term solutions, with action plans and systems now in place to support inclusive governance.
“The European Union remains committed to supporting both refugees and the Moldovan communities that have welcomed them. Through our partnership with UNHCR, we are ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the assistance they need—whether it’s financial support, protection services, or access to essential public systems,” said Marianna Franco, Head of the European Union Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine and Moldova.
To prepare for and mitigate the impact of the winter season, UNHCR, with support from the European Union and other donors distributed essential non-food items (NFIs)—such as blankets, heaters, and winter clothing—to 4,000 refugees and vulnerable Moldovans between November 2024 and March 2025. This winterization effort complemented national programs and supported households most affected by the cold. Additionally, UNHCR transferred contingency stocks of essential items to government facilities, enhancing Moldova’s emergency preparedness for future crises.
UNHCR is deeply grateful to the European Union for its generous support, which has been instrumental in enabling UNHCR’s operations in Moldova. This partnership has made a tangible difference in the lives of refugees and vulnerable communities, helping to meet urgent needs and foster long-term resilience.
To learn more about the impact of this multi-sectoral humanitarian intervention, explore personal stories from refugees whose UNHCR support had an impact on their lives.
Life goes on: A mother’s story of finding safety in Moldova and move forward
The little things that keep people going: Larysa’s story
A first step toward safety: monitoring at Moldova’s borders
Italy supports initiatives empowering vulnerable refugees and strengthening resilience in Moldovan host communities
CHIȘINĂU– The generous €2,000,000 contribution from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) will significantly boost support for refugees and the Moldovan communities that host them. This crucial funding will improve local capacities to provide inclusive and effective services, such as healthcare, education, and social support, benefiting both refugees and their hosts. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, extends its heartfelt gratitude to Italy for this timely and impactful contribution, which will help improve lives and strengthen refugee resilience during a critical time.
With generous support from Italy, UNHCR will promote social cohesion and inclusive development for vulnerable refugees and host communities throughout Moldova. Efforts will focus on strengthening local service providers to deliver community-driven support and foster integration. Tailored information and counselling services will improve access to vital resources for refugees with disabilities, encouraging their active participation in community life. Targeted cash assistance will help vulnerable refugees meet basic needs and build resilience, while essential mental health and psychosocial services will prioritise women, persons with disabilities, and older refugees to enhance their well-being, resilience, and inclusion.
Italy has been a committed supporter of the refugee response in Moldova and a long-time partner of UNHCR’s efforts both in the country and globally. Its continued contributions have been instrumental in addressing the needs of vulnerable refugees in Moldova and strengthening the resilience of host communities. On a global scale, Italy’s support has enabled UNHCR to deliver life-saving assistance, protection services, and long-term solutions to millions of forcibly displaced people, reinforcing a shared commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of refugees worldwide.
Note to editors:
UNHCR has supported Moldova’s refugee response since establishing a presence in 1997. The agency expanded operations significantly in February 2022 to address the influx of refugees from Ukraine, co-leading the interagency humanitarian response alongside the Moldovan government under the Regional Response Plan for the Ukraine Situation.
Key figures about the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova
Since February 2022, with the support of Italy and other donors, UNHCR has achieved significant milestones in Moldova:
- Cash Assistance: Over 136,000 refugees have received cash support, totalling approximately EUR 170 million.
- Protection Services: More than 183,000 individuals have benefitted from legal and protection services.
- Training for Responders: Around 4,500 frontline responders have been trained in core protection principles.
- Community Centres: Ten community centres supported by UNHCR provide safe spaces for refugees and Moldovans, fostering engagement and empowerment.
These efforts are implemented in close collaboration with the Government of Moldova, UN agencies, international and national NGO partners, and with invaluable contributions from refugees themselves.
UNHCR remains committed to advancing shared objectives of inclusion, resilience, and community cohesion in Moldova, ensuring refugees and host communities alike are supported.
For media inquiries:
In the Republic of Moldova:
Monica Vazquez [email protected]
Spain supports winter assistance for refugees in Moldova
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the generous contribution of EUR 850,000 from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) to support the protection of refugees from Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova. This contribution underscores Spain’s steadfast commitment to supporting displaced populations and promoting resilience during the harsh winter months.
With this funding, among contributions from other donors, UNHCR is supporting over 20,000 refugees from Ukraine in Moldova as part of the Refugee Coordination Forum’s winterisation activities from November 2024 to March 2025. These efforts include providing cash assistance to some 15,500 vulnerable refugee households to cover their most basic needs such as heating, utilities, and food.
To address the increased demand for information, the Refugee Response Helpline (Greenline) will ensure that approximately 20,000 refugees are informed about available services. Infrastructure upgrades in 30 community spaces and refugee accommodation centres will improve energy efficiency and ensure continuous operation during the cold season, fostering resilience in partnership with local public authorities.
Additionally, UNHCR will distribute winter-specific items, including high-thermal blankets, bed linen, and kitchen sets, to more than 6,000 vulnerable refugees and members of the host community, helping them endure the harsh winter months.
Spain has consistently demonstrated its dedication to humanitarian causes globally, including within Moldova, where it has played a crucial role in addressing the needs of refugees and their hosts. This partnership has been pivotal in ensuring that no one is left behind during these challenging times.
Since the escalation of the full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, Moldova has welcomed more than 1.9 million refugees. Co-leading the humanitarian response alongside the Government of Moldova, UNHCR has been able to continue providing life-saving assistance, protection services, and long-term solutions to refugees thanks to the instrumental contribution of Spain, reinforcing shared values of dignity and inclusion.
Note to Editors:
UNHCR has supported Moldova’s refugee response since establishing a presence in 1997. The agency expanded operations significantly in February 2022 to address the influx of refugees from Ukraine, co-leading the interagency humanitarian response alongside the Moldovan government under the Regional Response Plan for the Ukraine Situation.
Key figures about the refugee response in the Republic of Moldova
Since February 2022, with the support of Spain and other donors, UNHCR has achieved significant milestones in Moldova:
- Cash Assistance: Over 136,000 refugees have received cash support, totalling approximately EUR 170 million.
- Protection Services: More than 183,000 individuals have benefitted from legal and protection services.
- Training for Responders: Around 4,500 frontline responders have been trained in core protection principles.
- Community Centres: Ten community centres supported by UNHCR provide safe spaces for refugees and Moldovans, fostering engagement and empowerment.
These efforts are implemented in close collaboration with the Government of Moldova, UN agencies, international and national partners, and with invaluable contributions from refugees themselves.
UNHCR remains committed to advancing shared objectives of inclusion, resilience, and community cohesion in Moldova, ensuring refugees and host communities alike are supported.
For media inquiries:
In the Republic of Moldova:
Monica Vazquez [email protected]