Photo: Igor Schimbător/UNDP Moldova

The European Union provides €130,000 through its Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, to support the Moldovan authorities’ and local communities’ response to the needs of refugees from Ukraine arriving in the Republic of Moldova.

With the support of the cross-river Health Platform created under the EU Confidence Building Measures Programme, 1500 refugees that are temporarily accommodated on both banks of the Nistru River will benefit from sanitary kits including essential medicines and medication for people with diabetes, personal protective equipment, as well beds, duvets, bed linen, and pillows.

To support refugees, the Health Platform has mobilised six volunteer teams, comprising five people each. The refugees from Ukraine will also benefit from medical and psychological consultations.

From the onset of the aggression against Ukraine, 10 diesel heater fans were donated to the refugees’ distribution center in Palanca on the border with Ukraine. The Regional Center for Rehabilitation of Victims of Domestic Violence from Gagauz-Yeri, offering shelter to refugees, received 20 units of equipment and household appliances, making accommodations more comfortable.

“We, in the European Union, are truly impressed by the overwhelming solidarity of the Republic of Moldova, from ordinary citizens to local and central authorities, with the people who fled the country as a result of the aggression against Ukraine. The European Union responded promptly by offering immediate support to the Republic of Moldova to help refugees who found shelter on both banks of the Nistru River. EU is committed to providing continuous support for the people of the Republic of Moldova, especially in this difficult time,” stated Jānis Mažeiks, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

"During this critical time, UNDP and the European Union stand by refugees fleeing violence and by host communities from both banks of the Nistru. We are providing immediate support and will facilitate the socio-economic inclusion of refugees going forward”, said Dima Al-Khatib, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

Teachers, psychologists, and educators from the cross-river Education Platform will get involved and organize educational activities for approx. 250 children from Ukraine. In addition, the Programme delivered toys to refugees made by Igor Hîncu, who received a Programme grant to expand his business 5 years ago.

The Confidence Building Measures Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, contributes to building trust between residents on both sides of the Nistru River by involving them in joint development projects.