In Moldova, more than 30% of the population could be living below the poverty line, and 54% could be at high risk of falling into poverty within the next twelve months due to impacts of conflict in Ukraine and related crises, according to early projections released by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), IPN reports, quoting a press release.
“The economic fallout of the war in Ukraine will be felt across the region and millions of people are going to be in need of urgent support in the months to come,” said Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.
“In Moldova, work continues to scale up to meet the massive needs of those who have fled the violence, and to ensure support is also provided to host communities. But to prevent more humanitarian suffering, and the complete collapse of local economies, the war must end. People across the region urgently need peace to help prevent a free fall into poverty,” said Dima Al-Khatib.
The key drivers of the potential economic crisis in Moldova - including the country’s close economic ties to Ukraine and the Russian Federation, an escalating energy crisis, and the impact of mass displacement - are already being felt in the country and will deteriorate if the war continues.
To help identify the needs, UNDP will initiate an analysis of the impact of disrupted value chains on the small- and medium-sized enterprises operating in Moldova. UNDP is also conducting a rapid economic income simulation for Moldova of the potential impacts of the crisis at the households level, along with assessments for identifying the targeted support households need.
“As part of the UN Moldova family, UNDP has worked with local communities and authorities to provide accommodation and basic supplies to refugees, including emergency hygiene kits and food packages. Further support is being provided to shelters, to cover urgent needs, with a focus on emergency support for women and children. Going forward, UNDP will facilitate the socio-economic integration of refugees through promoting employment opportunities, expanding their access to public services and ensuring social cohesion in host communities,” runs the press release.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change.
