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]