World Refugee Day: The Republic of Moldova serves as a temporary shelter for thousands fleeing war
Currently, there are 214 recognized refugees in the Republic of Moldova. The majority of these individuals come from Syria, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. Although the Republic of Moldova is geographically close to conflict zones, it is primarily a transit country rather than a final destination for refugees, said Ion Budeanu, head of the International Protection and Country of Origin Information Section of the Asylum and Statelessness Directorate, in an interview with Radio Moldova.
"People seek protection in our country. According to the legislation on asylum, we have four forms of protection. The first is refugee status; the second is humanitarian protection; the third, which was implemented for the first time in 2023, is temporary protection; and the fourth form is political asylum, which is granted only by the President of the Republic of Moldova. Those who come to us on Lev Tolstoi Str. are seeking asylum or temporary protection," said Ion Budeanu.
He emphasizes that refugees enjoy rights similar to those of Moldovan citizens, except access to public offices.
"The status itself does not have a limited duration; only identity documents must be renewed periodically. Refugees can move freely and may also seek protection in other countries. This is a right that cannot be restricted," he added.
Additionally, the Republic of Moldova has become a second home for approximately 120,000 individuals displaced from Ukraine due to the brutal war waged by the Russian Federation, according to data from the UN Refugee Agency in Moldova. Half of these displaced individuals are children.
According to the Annual Global Trends Report, by the end of April this year, there were 122 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, an increase of approximately 1 million compared to the same time last year. The leading causes of displacement include major conflicts, such as those in Sudan, Myanmar, the war in Ukraine, and the ongoing failure to end violence in these regions.
World Refugee Day is marked today.
