World Vision joins migration and asylum event for Ukrainian refugees led by the Moldovan Government and UNHCR
World Vision joined the campaign for the “Commission for the coordination of activities in the field of migration and asylum” event organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Chisinau, Moldova.
The Commission for the Coordination of Activities is a permanent consultative body created to monitor and coordinate activities in the field of migration, asylum, statelessness, and integration of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova.
It also works to ensure the unitary and coherent implementation of relevant governmental policies in the field of migration and asylum.
The event gathered together government and UN agencies, local and international non-government organizations (NGOs and INGOs) to highlight the initiatives and actions now undertaken in Moldova to support and integrate Ukrainian refugees.
Working alongside the government, UN agencies, local and international organizations, we aspire to create an environment where refugees not only receive protection, safety and assistance but also discover opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of society.
The main topics of discussion were the migration situation in the country and the governmental commitments in the National Refugee Response Plan 2024. Additionally, the authorities discussed the decision on granting temporary protection to Ukrainian refugees in the country.
“We are now in a different phase than we were in March 2022. Currently we are facing the challenge of inclusion of the Ukrainian refugees into Moldovan society,” said Francesca Bonelli, the representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
She added, “We are working to help them have proper access to education, job opportunities, supporting them to be part of the society we live in. We are dealing with different types of commitments, but still facing refugees’ needs.”
World Vision was represented by Youssef Mhanna, World Vision's Operations Director in Moldova. He shared with the audience the pivotal role played by the Moldovan government and commended the effective coordination led by UNHCR Moldova in supporting Ukrainian refugees.
“Working alongside the government, UN agencies, local and international organizations, we aspire to create an environment where refugees not only receive protection, safety and assistance but also discover opportunities to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of society,” shared Mhanna.
World Vision has reached over 254,000 people in Moldova, including Ukrainian refugees and host communities, with protection, mental health, education, livelihoods, basic needs support, and cash programs.
Story and photos by Dan Munteanu, Communications Officer