Population figures
Total country population
3,329,865
Forcibly displaced population
Refugees (under UNHCR's mandate):
121,480
Asylum-seekers:
1,839
IDPs (of concern to UNHCR):
0
Other people in need of international protection:
0
Other
Statelessness persons
3,233
Host community
0
Others of concern to UNHCR
0
Country context
Moldova, a landlocked country in Eastern Europe hosts a significant refugee population, primarily from Ukraine, with women and children representing a substantial portion. Additionally, the country has also hosted refugees from countries such as Russia, with varying protection needs, including those from marginalized groups and people with disabilities. Refugees are allowed to choose their place of residence within the country, and emergency laws have provided access to services such as accommodation, education, and healthcare for those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.
Moldova has acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and both UN conventions on statelessness. Its asylum system largely meets international standards.. Its statelessness determination procedure has also been globally recognized.In recent years. Moldova has implemented temporary protection (TP) for Ukrainian refugees, providing them with legal status and enabling access to public services. The TP regime allowed refugees to stay legally in the country for a year with the possibility of extension. Temporary protection beneficiaries, alongside recognized refugees, are entitled to a range of rights, including access to healthcare and education, although some challenges in documentation and access to services persist, particularly in the context of social protection.
...Moldova's legal framework also includes provisions for the protection of stateless individuals, and efforts are ongoing to address challenges in statelessness determination. While the country has made progress in this area, some gaps remain in ensuring that all stateless persons are adequately protected.
Most refugees from Ukraine in Moldova are women and children, including female-headed households and unaccompanied or separated children. These profiles are at heightened risks related to child protection, GBV and trafficking. Other at-risk groups including people with disabilities and older people face obstacles in accessing services across sectors, as do LGBTIQ+ refugees and refugees living with HIV who may be reluctant to come forward for support, as well as members of key populations, including sex workers and people who use drugs. Roma refugees face higher risks of social exclusion and marginalization, requiring targeted outreach.
Education for Ukrainian children is an ongoing challenge, complicated by uncertainty about length of stay, a preference for online schooling from Ukraine, and language barriers. Additionally, the expected narrowing of cash assistance has increased the need for livelihoods support. Obstacles to formal employment persist, including skills mismatching, low salaries, and language. Women face additional obstacles, including limited access to childcare and overall gender biases.
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