UNHCR’s Regional Representative for Central Europe has welcomed Moldova’s progress in building a national asylum system. “UNHCR appreciates the achievements of the Republic of Moldova in the domain of its national asylum and statelessness legislation, which is largely in line with international standards,” said Montserrat Feixas Vihé, head of UNHCR’s Regional Representation for Central Europe based in Budapest, Hungary. The official visited the Republic of Moldova during July 18-20, IPN reports.
She made the comments after meeting Daniela Morari, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, to discuss ways to further improve the asylum system in Moldova, and the situation of refugees and asylum seekers. “UNHCR looks forward to working closely with the government of Moldova and civil society as Moldova this year marks the 15th anniversary since it acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention,” said Ms. Feixas Vihé. She added that refugees in Moldova have a high potential for integration, as most speak Romanian or Russian and have mixed their families with Moldovan citizens.
Feixas Vihé said UNHCR will continue working with the government and civil society to support refugees and asylum seekers in Moldova
As of 30 June 2017, there were 408 refugees and 70 asylum seekers in Moldova, many of them children. They fled conflict and persecution in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of them are highly educated and they can greatly contribute to the local society and economy.
