Minister of Internal Affairs, Adrian Efros, had a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, UNHCR Regional Director for Europe, Philippe Leclerc, and UNHCR Country Representative in Moldova, Francesca Bonelli.
Grandi and Efros undertook a joint visit to the largest of the eight Enrolment Centers included in the cash program for refugees in Chisinau. The aim of these centers is to provide emergency cash assistance to people who have fled the war in Ukraine and are currently living in the Republic of Moldova. During the visit, the delegation attended a legal consultation session for Ukrainian refugees, with the center also providing legal support through the Law Center of Advocates.
The priorities discussed by Minister Adrian Efros and UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi during the meeting included the commitments made at the Global Refugee Forum, with a focus on developing programs to assist individuals who have fled from Ukraine with medium and long-term integration into local communities, including providing educational and medical services.
The officials also stressed the importance of implementing the UNHCR and IOM Assisted Voluntary Return Project, reviewing and enhancing infrastructure, supporting the resettlement process, and strengthening the government’s efforts to manage the crisis and improve the refugee reception conditions.
This visit is part of a broader cooperation between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and UNHCR, based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, with the permanent partnership between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and UNHCR lasting since the signing of the Cooperation Agreement in 1998.
The cooperation with UNHCR represents a steadfast commitment to support refugees and manage crises, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs determined to step up efforts to respond to the needs of communities and those seeking protection in the Republic of Moldova.
