Over 100,000 refugees from Ukraine and 22,000 host communities members were supported by UN Moldova since the war started. In 2022, 257 million U.S. dollars were mobilized by the United Nations agencies to provide together with international and national organizations of the civil society protection services and humanitarian assistance, IPN reports.
During the year, over 750,000 refugees fled Ukraine into Moldova, more than 100,000 of which have sought longer term safety, protection and security in Moldova. Over 90% of refugees are women and children. The United Nations Country Team joined forces with the government, NGO’s from both banks of the river Nistru, and local communities to provide immediate support to refugees and host community members.
“Our support continues until today and it will continue until the last refugee returns safely to Ukraine. This wouldn’t be possible without multilateralism, solidarity and the humanity that all of us, including the people of Moldova who opened their hearts and homes, have shown in this difficult period of time,” said Simon Springett, Resident Coordinator of UN in Moldova.
UN Moldova support included infrastructure improvements, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) facilities and non-food items to over 100 Refugee Accommodation Centers. A total number of 2,6 million hot meals have been distributed daily to refugees. At the same time, about 108,000 refugees and 22,000 host families received cash assistance in a total amount of 70.3 million U.S. dollars.
There were established 11 Blue Dots that reached over 45.000 refugees including 23.000 children offering a wide range of services to address their needs: information and counseling, child-friendly spaces, hygiene, health and nutrition services, as well as legal & psychological counseling and referral services for cases of violence or health. On the other hand, in 22 Orange Safe spaces boys and girls could access life skills and resilience building sessions, mental health counseling, sexual and reproductive health referral and information, personal development, and connect with host communities.
Aiming at integrating Ukrainian refugees into the Moldovan society and labor market over 2,000 jobs were made available for them, and 946 Ukrainians have been formally employed.
