The Association of People with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova (AOSIRM) received equipment that was provided by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with the support of Japan. This assistance helps increase the AOSIRM’s capacity to identify, reach, and support more people in need — both Moldovans and refugees alike, IPN reports.

The lot of equipment includes two cars with wheelchair access, power generators, laptops, printers, and 200 hygiene kits for adults and children. “This equipment will encourage us even more in our planned activities to help refugees from Ukraine and our fellow citizens,” said Mihail Marginean, President of AOSIRM “Furthermore, it will improve our logistics and implementation of various planned projects. Our partnership with UNHCR helps to raise the capacity of our organization and helps us become stronger and more viable to the people that we serve.”

“When Russia began their aggression against Ukraine, many people had to flee for their lives, and they were all vulnerable. It is easy to see that people with disabilities found it the most difficult to make the journey to safety,” stated Yoichiro Yamada, Japan’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. “The activities of UNHCR, together with those of the Republic of Moldova and its people, embody human conscience and compassion.”

“Japan is an important partner for our investments in community capacity here in the Republic of Moldova,” said Francesca Bonelli, UNHCR Representative in the Republic of Moldova. “We continue to support groups like AOSIRM that work with both Moldovans and refugees with disabilities.”

The Republic of Moldova has received more refugees from Ukraine per capita than any other country worldwide: for every three Moldovan citizens, one person from Ukraine has arrived since the war began. As of the 21st of March 2023, out of the total 791,093 arrivals, 100,366 Ukrainian refugees are currently hosted in Moldova, 60 per cent of whom are women and 46% are children.