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.

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In the Republic of Moldova:

Monica Vazquez: [email protected]