UN Moldova continues to support the Government to respond to refugee crisis

As of March 21, over 325,000 people from Ukraine have crossed the border of the Republic of Moldova, out of which over 100,000 remained in Moldova, 67% of them being female and almost half children according to UN Women factsheet on Gender data on refugees at a glance: the Republic of Moldova developed in partnership with the Border Police. Most of the refugees fleeing Ukraine continued to be received and hosted by the families while some are taking shelter in the Refugees Accommodation Centres (RAC) that are overpassing 100 in number.

To date, UN Moldova Team has provided support in the following areas: protection/ child protection, accommodation and transportation, prevention and response to gender-based violence, education, cash assistance, health and nutrition, information management, logistics and supply.

Some of the major assistance provided during the period 14-21 March are:

• Facilitation of the coordination with bilateral donor partners on humanitarian assistance provision and information management on needs and donations, UNHCR and the UN Resident Coordination Office have supported the development/empowerment of the Emergency External Aid Cell at the government's request
• Three “Blue Dot” – centres have been activated to meet the urgent needs of children and families crossing the border of the Republic of Moldova with Ukraine. They were set up at the Moldexpo Refugee Accommodation Center, Centre of refugees at Palanca and Border crossing point Otaci and offer families and children services that meet their urgent needs: information and counselling, child-friendly spaces, psychological counselling and support, hygiene, health and nutrition services, as well as basic legal advice and referral services for cases of violence or health. The “Blue Dots” have been established by UNICEF in partnership with UNHCR, CCF Moldova, Terre des Hommes Moldova, Partnerships for Every Child, national and local authorities.
• Transportation is being provided by UNHCR and IOM to refugees in support of Moldovan authorities’ efforts to manage the flow of refugees wishing to leave the Moldova for EU.
• Hot meals, to be distributed to all accommodation centres through Cooperating Partners and catering contracts, and in coordination with all partners. World Food Program, following a request from the Government of Moldova, will lead the coordination of partners in the Food sub-working group, ensuring that needs are met by WFP and the different partners in this area of intervention.
• Cash assistance will soon be provided by UNHCR, WFP and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to both refugees fleeing Ukraine and families hosting them in Moldova to cover the urgent needs of refugees.
• Primary health care services, medicines and medical kits donated by WHO, UNICEF
• Information materials for refugees
• Tents, mobile shower cabins, lamps and lighting equipment, beds, mattresses, blankets, refrigerators, microwaves, etc.

The estimated value of the support committed as of 21 March is 32.7 millions US dollars, thanks to the support from different donors (the EU, Switzerland, Sweden, USA, UK) and other development partners.

More information on the response to the refugee crisis and support provided by UN Moldova Country Team can be found in the Moldova Refugee Response, weekly update 14-21 March 2022.

UN agencies rapid assessments and surveys related to refugee crisis:

Displacement survey: Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals

Gender data on refugees at a glance: the Republic of Moldova

Health Situation Analysis in the Refugee-hosting countries