UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi Acknowledges Moldova’s Continuous Support to Refugees During Official Visit
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi Acknowledges Moldova’s Continuous Support to Refugees During Official Visit
Chisinau, 17 January 2025 — During his fourth official visit to Moldova, on 17-18 January, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, met with President Maia Sandu to discuss avenues for further collaboration and offer continued support to strengthen Moldova's capacity to assist refugees.
"Moldova, a country facing immense economic and political challenges, has demonstrated remarkable compassion and leadership in welcoming and supporting refugees from Ukraine," said Mr. Grandi. “Moldova is an inspiring example of solidarity, which is very much needed in today’s world”.
President Sandu expressed gratitude for UNHCR’s support in assisting the government in protecting refugees in Moldova. She reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to providing international protection aligned with European standards and to include refugees into national systems.
After the official meeting, Zaharii and Tatiana Aramă—who represented Moldova at the 2024 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony in Geneva last fall—presented the honorary mention awarded to the people of Moldova for their collective support and solidarity with refugees. They were joined by UNHCR high-profile supporter Valentina Nafornita.
This recognition underscores the profound impact of the Moldovan people's generosity on the lives of those forced to flee their homes. Since February 2022, there have been over 1.9 million refugee arrivals from Ukraine. While most continued west to the EU, as of December 2024, around 135,000 refugees remained.
Moldova has implemented significant legislative measures for refugees to have access to essential services including healthcare, education and employment. These commitments encompass a wide range of priorities, including protecting children’s rights, promoting gender equality, preventing gender-based violence and reinforcing capacity to respond to the needs of refugees. By fostering an inclusive environment, Moldova helps refugees become self-reliant and give back to the communities that host them.
UNHCR is committed to supporting refugees as well as the most vulnerable Moldovans. UNHCR’s efforts extend beyond immediate assistance to promoting long-term solutions – supporting Moldova’s goals and helping individuals and communities rebuild their lives.
During his visit, Grandi, accompanied by UNHCR’s Regional Director for Europe, Philippe Leclerc, and UNHCR’s Representative to Moldova, Anne-Marie Deutschlander, will meet key officials, with refugees, as well as with member of the diplomatic community and other UNHCR partners.
Note to editors
UNHCR has been present in the Republic of Moldova since 1997. The Agency expanded operations significantly in February 2022 to respond to the needs of the 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
- More than 136,000 refugees have received cash assistance since 24 February 2022 (over USD 176M disbursed to refugees)
- Over 183,000 refugees have been supported with protection services and legal support since 24 February 2022
- Around 4,500 frontline responders have been trained on core protection principles since 24 February 2022.
- Approximately 1,300 refugees currently hosted in 26 refugee accommodation centres supported by UNHCR.
- Ten Community Centers are operational in the country, providing safe spaces and activities for refugees and Moldovans alike. These centers are pivotal in facilitating community engagement and support, embodying a commitment to interaction and empowerment.
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