Press Releases

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes a contribution of NOK 30 million ($2.7 million) from Norway to support refugees from Ukraine in Moldova. This is the second-largest contribution to UNHCR in Moldova over the past two years.

This important funding to sustain UNHCR’s operations in Moldova is part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, an assistance scheme for the period 2023-2027 administered by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). Moldova is a prioritized neighboring country under the assistance scheme, in view of its complex and long-term challenges related to economy, energy, security, and humanitarian needs exacerbated by the Russian Federation’s full-scale war against Ukraine.  

Since the massive escalation of war in Ukraine in February 2022, over 1.4 million people from Ukraine have crossed into Moldova, with more than 120,000 remaining in the country as refugees. At the same time, Moldova has faced further challenges with energy shortages, high inflation, and security concerns. Many refugees from Ukraine in Moldova struggle with accessing medical care, securing employment, and ensuring their children can continue their education. The integration process is further complicated for the most vulnerable refugees, and overall, by language barriers and the psychological trauma of displacement. 

Norway is a major humanitarian donor to Moldova and has contributed around NOK 490 million since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the latest contribution to UNHCR, both vulnerable local communities and refugees in Moldova will be supported through cash assistance, adequate shelter, psychosocial support, protection against gender-based violence, access to specialized services, and rehabilitation of community infrastructure. This comprehensive support will help address the immediate needs of refugees, alleviate the pressures on host communities, and enhance overall resilience and capacity to manage ongoing and future challenges. 

Chișinău, Moldova – June 20, 2024 – World Refugee Day 2024 was marked by an event celebrating the Republic of Moldova’s solidarity and support towards refugees. As the number of forcibly displaced people reached unprecedented levels due to global conflicts, political instability, and economic challenges, – 120 million globally – Moldova’s commitment to welcoming refugees stood out as a beacon of hope and compassion.  

The event, themed “Thank You, Moldova,” took place at Digital Park in Chișinău. It highlighted good practices, and experiences from various actors involved in the refugee response. Importantly, it honored the Moldovan people and the courage of refugees who have found safety and community in Moldova. Bringing together government structures,  non-governmental organizations, international and national organisations, private sector, ambassadors, media representatives, refugees, and individuals interested in refugee issues, the event fostered a dialogue on refugee support.  

The event featured three panel discussions. The first panel, “Beyond borders: the first days,” reflected on the initial months of the refugee response, focusing on how access to territory and essential services was ensured. The second panel, “Unlocking potential: commitment to inclusion,” addressed the inclusion of refugees in schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities. The third panel, “From strangers to neighbors: strengthening social cohesion,” shared community experiences, highlighting the inclusion process and its impact on daily life.  

Yulia Zenchenko, Head of Female Support Force and representative of the refugee community, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This awful war made me leave my home, but it also introduced me to Moldova and its people. What we found here gave us hope and made us feel warm and welcome. On behalf of the refugee community, I want to say that we are opening our hearts to you as well.”  

Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection, shared: “During a recent visit to Kyiv, I spent nights in bomb shelters due to air raids. I couldn’t stop thinking about my colleagues in Ukraine working under such conditions, worrying about their families. This reinforced my belief that we must cherish our peace and remember that it is thanks to Ukraine. We can reciprocate by working for refugees, integrating them into our society, and ensuring they feel welcome.”  

The event also honored outstanding journalistic coverage of refugee issues, emphasizing the importance media in raising awareness about social issues. Out of 29 submissions, three finalists were recognized: Tatiana Beghiu from Moldova.org for “Bohodara wants to go home,” Alina Mikhalkina from Newsmaker.md for “Running away from guns. How men who don’t want to fight get from Ukraine to Moldova,” and Eugenia Apostu from Radio Free Europe Moldova for “Ukrainian para powerlifting champion, refugee in Chișinău.”  

“Moldova has set an exemplary standard of solidarity with refugees. On World Refugee Day, we recognize the hospitality shown by the Moldovan people and the solidarity that allows refugees to live with dignity” commented Bertrand Blanc, UNHCR Representative a.i. in the Republic of Moldova. 

The event celebrated Moldova’s remarkable support for refugees and the resilience of the refugee community. Together, we envision a world where refugees are not only welcomed but are fully included in all aspects of life. 

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

UNHCR/S. Abdulrahman

For inquiries, please contact:  

Monica Vazquez
[email protected]
External Relations Officer, UNHCR
Chișinău, Republica Moldova

GENEVA – Forced displacement surged to historic new levels across the globe last year and this, according to the 2024 flagship Global Trends Report from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The rise in overall forced displacement – to 120 million by May 2024 – was the 12th consecutive annual increase and reflects both new and mutating conflicts and a failure to resolve long-standing crises. The figure would make the global displaced population equivalent to the 12th largest country in the world, around the size of Japan’s.

A key factor driving the figures higher has been the devastating conflict in Sudan: at the end of 2023, 10.8 million Sudanese remained uprooted. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar, millions were internally displaced last year by vicious fighting. UNRWA estimates that by the end of last year, up to 1.7 million people (75 per cent of the population) had been displaced in the Gaza Strip by the catastrophic violence, most of whom were Palestine refugees. Syria remains the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million forcibly displaced in and outside the country.

“Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies. That suffering must galvanize the international community to act urgently to tackle the root causes of forced displacement,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “It is high time for warring parties to respect the basic laws of war and international law. The fact is that without better cooperation and concerted efforts to address conflict, human rights violations and the climate crisis, displacement figures will keep rising, bringing fresh misery and costly humanitarian responses.”

The largest increase in displacement figures came from people fleeing conflict who remain in their own country, rising to 68.3 million people according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre – up almost 50 per cent over five years.

The number of refugees, and others in need of international protection, climbed to 43.4 million when including those under UNHCR and UNRWA’s mandates. The vast majority of refugees are hosted in countries neighbouring their own, with 75 per cent residing in low- and middle-income countries that together produce less than 20 per cent of the world’s income.

The report showed that worldwide, more than 5 million internally displaced people and 1 million refugees returned home in 2023. These figures show some progress towards longer-term solutions. Positively, resettlement arrivals increased to almost 160,000 in 2023.

“Refugees – and the communities hosting them – need solidarity and a helping hand. They can and do contribute to societies when they are included,” Grandi added. “Equally, last year millions of people returned home, representing an important glimmer of hope. Solutions are out there – we’ve seen countries like Kenya lead the way in refugee inclusion – but it takes real commitment.”

The report also offered new analysis on the climate crisis and how it increasingly and disproportionately affects forcibly displaced people.

Given the immense challenges facing 120 million forcibly displaced people outlined in the Global Trends report, UNHCR remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering new approaches and solutions to help people forced to flee their homes, wherever they are.

Otaci, 29 May 2024 – The Municipality of Otaci has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in the Republic of Moldova, under the framework of “Cities of Solidarity”. This initiative aims to enhance support and integration for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons within the local community. The occasion also marked the inauguration of Otaci’s first playground and a new sports facility, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of the Municipality of Otaci, UNHCR, and local organizations in their commitment to inclusivity and support for all residents. 

“Everyone is welcome here. This Memorandum of Cooperation is critical to us. UNHCR has identified these cities of solidarity, and I’m proud Otaci is part of this network. We understand the responsibility it comes with it. Signing this agreement highlights our long-standing collaboration in providing assistance and building community, but it also marks a new chapter in our relationship” declared the mayor of Otaci, Dmitrii Zavrotchii.   

The local authorities and community members of Otaci were among the first to respond to the refugee influx in the area. The Roma-led NGO Bahtalo Ker alongside the mayor’s office, established a volunteer center to support people crossing the border, providing them food, hot drinks, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities, warmth and free transportation services. 6% of Otaci’s population are refugees (approximately 450 refugees currently reside in the city), with increased support from UNHCR and its partners, until today Bahtalo Ker and the mayor’s office continue their efforts to assist refugees living in the community.  

“The collaboration between local authorities and Bahtalo Ker exemplifies the kind of proactive and inclusive approach that makes a tangible difference in the lives of displaced individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Their contributions have, in fact, been instrumental in not only providing essential services like shelter, food, and hygiene facilities to refugees but also in creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone” expressed UNHCR’s Representative a.i. in the Republic of Moldova, Betrand Blanc.  

Otaci is the second city in Moldova to join the network of Cities of Solidarity. Jointly with local and regional authorities, UNHCR is advocating for the protection and inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and host community members in urban and suburban areas. The initiative Cities of Solidarity in the Republic of Moldova has three key objectives: to enhance inclusion by improving access to essential rights and services, to build local capacity by providing authorities and civil society with the necessary tools to benefit both displaced populations and host communities, and to spark innovation by fostering creative solutions and best practices that can be replicated elsewhere.  

The Cities of Solidarity initiative has been successfully piloted in several other locations globally, such as Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Because of Moldova’s effective and commendable response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, UNHCR decided to implement the initiative in the country to showcase good practices and support the adaptation of urban areas to refugee influx. 

For media inquiries 

Monica Vazquez 

[email protected] 

+373 609 44 339 

The Republic of Moldova will host theatre performances, discussions and vibrant cultural presentations as part of “Amare Amala: Roma Culture Week” from 8-13 April, which will end with a Roma music concert on Saturday. This series of events is dedicated to International Roma Day, marked annually on 8 April. The events aim to raise awareness of Roma culture and combat stereotypes and discrimination against this ethnic minority.

In the 2014 census of the population of the Republic of Moldova, 9,383 people declared themselves to be Roma. However, more recent estimates suggest that there are more than 27,000 Roma in the country, a number that is even higher after hundreds of Roma from Ukraine fled the war and sought refuge in the country. Yet Roma continues to face discrimination and misunderstanding, often dictated by a lack of knowledge of their rich traditions and culture.

At the initiative of the Roma Task Force, starting in 2023 has been organised, “Amare Amala: Roma Culture Week”, a series of events dedicated to 8 April. Last year, the week of events organised at the national level saw the participation of more than 1500 people, and the organisers aim to increase this number for this edition, thus contributing to raising awareness of Roma traditions, culture and history, and combating discrimination against this community. 

Marin Alla, director of the “Roma Voice” Coalition – a coalition of 38 Roma organizations, says: “The Roma community in Moldova is not a burden. The country that has Roma is a rich, free, and independent country. The Roma community in Moldova love the land they were born in and cannot sell it.”

The events organized throughout the Roma week offer the opportunity for everyone to discover the uniqueness of these people through the universal language of the arts. Marco Buono, Head of Mission of INTERSOS Moldova, one of the main organizers of the “Amare Amala” events, declared: “At INTERSOS, we believe that recognizing and celebrating International Roma Day empowers Romani individuals and communities by affirming their identity, dignity, and rights. Through organizing this musical event dedicated to Roma culture, we aim to renew our commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of Romani people and to contribute to raising awareness among the general public about the challenges and discrimination faced by Romani communities.”

This year’s Amare Amala Week includes for the first time nationwide educational activities in gymnasiums, high schools and universities. This is possible thanks to the collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova. “In the week dedicated to Roma culture, we express our gratitude to this community and pay tribute to their contribution to the development of our society. We are committed to working together to promote Roma rights, culture and education, thus building a more inclusive future for all members of this community.”, said the Minister Dan Perciun, Educational institutions will take the initiative to organize these activities, with support from national and international organizations, aimed at increasing acceptance and inclusion of Roma children.

The series of events also includes a two-day regional conference organized by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to promote the inclusion of Roma people in the refugee response in Moldova and to share good practices from other countries hosting Ukrainian refugees. This is the first regional event dedicated to discussing Roma inclusion, and it will bring together representatives and Roma mediators from five European countries. Francesca Bonelli, Representative of UNHCR Moldova, said: “Embracing diversity means recognising the beauty of our differences and the strength in our unity. The Roma Culture Week is therefore an excellent opportunity for us not only to honour diversity but also to cultivate a society where every individual can thrive. Following the principle of leaving no one behind, UNHCR supports and empowers Roma refugees and their communities by ensuring their access to services and fostering social cohesion.“

“Amare Amala: Roma Culture Week” this year will conclude with a concert at the “Mihai Eminescu” National Theatre, performed by the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra,on 13 April. More than 30 young musicians will perform under the baton of Andriano Marian, the famous conductor from the Republic of Moldova, who is also of Roma ethnicity, featuring symphonic versions of Roma culture songs from Moldova, Romania, Hungary, Spain and Portugal. Joining the orchestra will be soloists Ana Raiu, Aurel Chirtoaca, Felicia Dunaf and Misha Grossu, Mihai Duminică and Ionuț Ciocanu.

The concert will be preceded by an activity fair for children and adults from 1:00 pm to 5.30 pm, where visitors will be able to participate in interactive games, face painting, drawing, quiz games and more. More details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/394735336811153

The Roma week events are free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development, the European Union, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNHCR, the Norwegian Refugee Council and the International Organization for Migration.

Jacopo Caridi, NRC Country Director, said: “It is an honour for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to participate for the second consecutive year in the celebration of International Roma Week in Moldova. Around the world, NRC prioritizes assisting conflict-displaced and vulnerable communities, such as the Roma in Moldova. In partnership with the local NGO ROMNI, we helped conflict-displaced people from the Roma community, ensuring access to legal information and participation in protection activities to promote their culture, enhance integration, and avoid discrimination.”

Lars Johan Lönnback, IOM Moldova’s Chief of Mission, has declared: ”IOM stands in solidarity with Roma communities, supporting their right to equality and full participation in all aspects of society. The Rome Culture Week is an important initiative that reminds us how crucial respect for diversity, the fight against all forms of discrimination, including hate speech, and common work for a just development of the country. Since 2022, IOM in the Republic of Moldova, thanks to the support of the donor community, has provided substantial assistance to Roma refugees displaced from Ukraine to prevent human trafficking and combat gender-based violence.”

All events planned for 8-13 April can be found in the joint events calendar created by the organizers.