Starting with March 1, 2023, the Ukrainian refugees who seek temporary protection in the Republic of Moldova will benefit from greater support from the authorities. The Council of Europe launched in Chisinau a new project intended for refugees in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education, IPN reports.

William Massolin, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, said that the Republic of Moldova needs assistance in managing the flow of refugees as long as the war continues. The Council of Europe centers not only on recommendations, but also on targeted assistance, contributing to building a resilient asylum and migration system. The Republic of Moldova became a fully-fledged member of the Council of Europe in 1995 and benefitted from the necessary support for establishing democracy. “We worked on a wide range of projects, such as combating of violence, protection of human rights, democracy and others,” stated William Massolin.

Jana Costachi, secretary of state at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said that the new mechanism that envisions the strengthening of the protection of the rights of refugees and migrants in the Republic of Moldova makes the authorities rethink these tasks form all the perspectives. “This project of the Council of Europe responds to the goal we set at the Ministry – to act today, but to have a medium- and long-term agenda. We must not accept and tolerate discrimination. Our actions should be oriented to each person’s needs and the relevant capacities of the local authorities should be strengthened. We need a legal framework anchored to this issue. The refugees will benefit from temporary protection between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024,” stated the functionary.

“We realize that we can reach a situation when we will have to put into practice the contingency plan. We monitor the flow of immigrants from Ukraine and this does not generate concerns for now. However, we must be ready for such a scenario and to ensure the protection of the Ukrainian refugees. Any support from the development partners is welcome,” noted Jana Costachi.

Leyla Kayacik, Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General on Migration and Refugees, said the project launched today will help to build the resilience of the refugee admissions system. This will ensure stability and will facilitate access to health and other services.