The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees and third country nationals who fled the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and are currently residing in Moldova, within the Action “Addressing urgent humanitarian needs of the vulnerable refugees and third country nationals in the Republic of Moldova” funded by the European Union, IPN reports.

In a press release, IOM noted that the EU financial support of €1.2 million strengthens IOM’s intervention in the country by ensuring that vulnerable refugees and third country nationals receive multi-purpose cash assistance and protection services until the end of 2024. This Action will specifically target population at risk of falling outside humanitarian response efforts or social protection schemes, notably refugees and third country national in the Transnistrian region and in rural areas of Moldova.

The vulnerable people who are eligible for financial support to purchase food and pay for healthcare expenses, hygiene items, rent, clothing and other basic needs are identified through advanced software. In addition, a standard vulnerability criteria scorecard was developed in coordination with UNHCR and the Inter-Agency Cash Working Group.

The IOM Mobile Protection Teams provide individual protection assistance to vulnerable refugees and third country nationals fleeing Ukraine, including those living far from urban centers or in rural areas. This type of assistance is based on the assessment of their needs, vulnerabilities and protection risks. It includes legal advice, mental health assistance, one-time cash support to address urgent needs and referrals to regular pathways.

The Action is funded by the European Union, through the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (DG ECHO). It is implemented by IOM in close cooperation with relevant institutions and civil society organizations in the Republic of Moldova.