World Refugees Day

Refugees from the entire world mark their day on June 20, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to representatives of the UN High Commissioner for Moldova, compared to last year, the number of the refugees decreased from 235 to 131, and the number of asylum-seekers from 73 to 45. Cultural, sports and entertainment events are being organized these days at the refugees shelter from Moldova. The theater Satiricus I.L. Caragiale performs the play “Inainte and dupa fuga'' (Before and after the run) during two days, the admission being free. The World Refugees Day is marked through a decision by the Geneva Regional Conference on refugees, displaced people, migrants and asylum seekers dating back to 1996. A year later, the UN office of the High Commissioner for Refugees was opened in Moldova. In October 2003, a shelter for asylum seekers was set in the Airport neighborhood, situated at 13 km from Chisinau. The center can hold 120 people, as 50 refugees are there this year. They were 91 last year. They study Romanian and the Romanians’ history, Moldova’s customs and culture, foreign languages and professions. The refugees’ children may attend kindergartens, schools and can get medical assistance, Info-Prim Neo has learnt from officials of the shelter. The Moldovan government pays 260 lei a month to each refugee during 6 months. Official data show that 350 refugees benevolently returned to their countries since 1997. A foreigner legally staying in Moldova can get the citizenship in 8 years. In case he/she marries a Moldovan citizen, the citizenship is granted after 3 years.