The Ombudsman’s Office requested to immediately close the temporary refugee center opened at the Ftiziopneumology Hospital in Chisinau, arguing the medical institutions serve another purpose.

In a press release, the Office says the refugees need places where they could benefit from social assistance rather than medical assistance and should not be accommodated in a place that can pose threats to the refugees and can limit access to medical services.

The Office asks to immediately close the center so as not to expose the refugees to additional risks related to health. The authorities are recommended to urgently find solutions to offer social services to the refugees in safe temporary placement centers. Recommendatory notices were issued to the Chisinau City Hall and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.