Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova MOVING TOWARDS DURABLE SOLUTIONS July 2024 © 2024 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Attribution Please cite the work as follows: “World Bank. 2024. Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova: Moving Towards Durable Solutions © World Bank.” All queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 2 202-522-2625; e-mail: pubrights@worldbank.org. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Preparation of this report was led by Erik Johnson, Lead Social Development Specialist, Social Sustainability and Inclusion (SSI) Global Practice, with Sarah Dreier as the main author. Danai Angeli, Sophie Crozet and Oleksandra Shatyrko provided valuable contributions as members of the team. The World Bank Country Manager for Moldova, Inguna Dobraja, provided valuable guidance as well as Carolina Odobescu from the country management team. The work was carried out under the guidance of Varalakshmi Vemuru, Practice Manager, SSI Global Practice. The authors thank peer reviewers Jade Elena Garza Ndiaye, Jan von der Goltz and Kristina No- elle for helpful comments and suggestions. Data was collected by the research firm, CBS AXA (Moldova), and the team was led by Vasile Contarji. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova provided support through- out the design, research and report preparation process, including the convening of a presen- tation of the report for a multi-stakeholder group at The World Bank Office on December 15, 2023, which provided additional ideas for the report, particularly the recommendations. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this report are entirely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the World Bank, its affiliated organiza- 3 tions, its executive directors, or the governments they represent. Table of Contents Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions List of acronyms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Executive summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Purpose of the study and research methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Context in Moldova: Demographics and policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 LPAs: Critical points of contact. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Applying a Framework for Assessing Durable Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Establishing long-term safety and security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Establishing an adequate standard of living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Accessing livelihoods and employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Access to personal and other documentation without discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 4 List of acronyms Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions ANOFM National Employment Agency CERI Children Emergency Relief International CIS Commonwealth of Independent States DK don’t know EU European Union FGD focus group discussion FRISPA Faculty of International Relations, Political Sciences, and Public Administration GBV Gender-based violence GIM General Inspectorate for Migration IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee IOM International Organization for Migration LPAs Local public authorities MER Ministry of Education and Research MHPSS Mental health and psychosocial support MMPS Ministry of Labour and Social Protection NA no answer NBS National Bureau of Statistics NCUM National Congress of Ukrainians of Moldova NEA National Employment Agency NGO non-governmental organisations NHIC National Health Insurance Company RAC Refugee Accommodation Centres REACH leading humanitarian initiative providing granular data, timely information and in-depth analysis from contexts of crisis, disaster and displacement RM Republic of Moldova TCN third country nationals TP Temporary Protection UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics WHO World Health Organization 5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, the population of persons displaced from Ukraine and living in Moldova will continue to need support, especially as the prospects of return to Ukraine remain unclear. The Government of Moldova has demonstrated leadership in responding to the emergency needs of displaced persons from Ukraine. However, as the displacement situation becomes protracted, more long-term development intervention aimed at supporting displaced persons’ socio-economic inclusion is needed. Local public authorities (LPAs) play a crucial role in Moldova’s effort to establish long-term and durable solutions for their displaced populations. This study seeks to capture and understand the experiences and needs of the displaced popu- lation living in Moldova, alongside the needs and perspectives of LPAs and host communities, and to identify policy interventions that could most effectively support displaced populations and host communities. The overall aim is to support the establishment of long-term solutions that will enable displaced populations to thrive in their new locations. To facilitate systematic assessment of current needs of displaced persons and the most ap- propriate responses, the study draws on several criteria for durable solutions included in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Dis- placed Persons (IDPs). While this framework was designed to address the needs of IDPs, the definition of durable solutions is suitable for refugees in this context, as it targets the point in which displaced persons no longer have any specific assistance and protection needs that are linked to their displacement. To collect relevant data, the study used the following research methods: (a) a survey with lo- cal public administration officials from 417 municipalities that are hosting displaced popula- tions from Ukraine, (b) 10 focus group discussions with displaced persons and refugee-hosting households, and (c) 12 individual in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders. The findings were further augmented through desk research. Multi-sector needs assessment reports span- ning the period 2022-2023 were consulted to track and comprehend the changing needs and perspectives of displaced populations and host communities in transition to durable solutions. Moldova is currently hosting approximately 120,000 displaced persons from Ukraine. The ma- jority are women and children. However, the demographic composition of the displaced pop- ulation has changed as the number of single persons has increased. The Republic of Moldova has established a temporary protection (TP) regime, which is set to ex- pire in May 2025. Registering for the TP is the most straight-forward way for Ukrainian displaced persons to access work, healthcare, social assistance, education and other essential services. 6 Nonetheless, registration has been slow. As of the end of April 2024, only 44,784 people had Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions applied for and received temporary protection (TP). In contrast to the period immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, most displaced per- sons have now secured access to basic goods, such as water and food. The majority have transi- tioned from public to private accommodations. In addition, an increasing number of displaced persons are finding work in Moldova. However, there are still unmet needs hindering the establishment of durable solutions. While numbers have grown considerably, many displaced children are still not enrolled in Mol- dovan schools, and a significant percentage of displaced persons are out of the labor force. Specialized health care services are often not affordable, or available, especially in rural areas. Many displaced persons struggle to make ends meet. Cash assistance continues to be a pri- mary source of income for many displaced persons, and almost all receive humanitarian aid. Displaced persons report numerous barriers that hinder their access to services. The most re- ported difficulties are: a lack of information about services and application procedures, not knowing the local language, and a lack of time to access services, due to increased child-care and other household duties. War-related trauma and experiences of discrimination, bullying and hostility in the host community also have a disabling effect. LPAs are critical points of contact and information for displaced persons, especially in rural areas where services are more limited. Yet lack of knowledge about critical services can be low among LPAs. For instance, nearly one-quarter (22%) of surveyed LPAs reported not having re- ceived any relevant information about national temporary protection policies. LPAs are at the interface of relations between displaced persons and their host communities. LPAs are well-positioned to observe and report back on the unique needs within their com- munities. However, this two-channel communication is not smooth in practice. Roughly two- thirds of surveyed LPAs reported having regular interaction with displaced persons in their communities, yet only one third had direct interaction with the General Inspectorate for Mi- gration (GIM). Additionally, LPA’s observations about the situation on the ground is not always aligned with displaced persons’ own perceptions. One such case documented in this study concerns access to employment. LPAs serve critical functions in terms of providing and coordinating a wide range for services for displaced persons. However, LPAs have limited financial and human resources. For instance, most still use paper registries. Only 11-13% of surveyed officials report using the national elec- tronic database. Host communities are generally friendly and safe for displaced persons from Ukraine. Sim- ilarly, displaced persons from Ukraine are grateful to local communities for their support, but more work can be done to improve relations between displaced persons and their host communities. However, there is evidence of a rise in local hostility, fueled by resentment about unfair distributions of resources. LPAs can play a crucial role in shaping community percep- tions, coordinating the provision of services, and eventually contributing to the creation of a 7 more inclusive and thriving community. Below are the main report recommendations for moving towards durable solutions. The Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions most pressing priorities for action include: providing market information and support to en- sure access to quality housing; continuing to adapt entry points into the education system to enhance enrollment and refugee/host community student social interaction; improving ac- cess to care services and labor market information to enhance women’s labor-force participa- tion and enhancing access to information about rights and services for refugees to realize the benefits of temporary protection. Preventing discrimination and building social cohesion will require greater attention as time passes and less visible divisions in society potentially take on greater significance. Establishing long-term safety and security  Sensitize and train national and local authorities on the possible forms of discrimination and hostility displaced persons may experience and advise authorities on modeling and cultivating a publicly welcoming, open community environment.  Train community police on how to respond to cases of gender-based violence (GBV) among refugees and other foreigners, including knowledge about where to refer them for medical, psychosocial, legal, housing and other services.  The GIM should develop communication materials and campaigns to eliminate discrimination and violence against refugees, particularly women. Establishing an adequate standard of living without discrimination  LPAs must be provided with financial and human resources that will enhance their capacity to directly provide or to coordinate the provision of essential services to displaced persons. There is also a need for better liaison with national agencies to meet evolving needs.  New technologies should be utilized to improve and simplify enrollment procedures, access to services, and referrals across agencies. Digitalization should be coupled with guidance to displaced persons about the use of online services. Accessing livelihoods and employment  Employment placement initiatives and training programs should target highly-skilled displaced persons. Many displaced persons have difficulty finding work that matches their skills, despite evidence of existing labor market needs.  There is an increased need for child care and other care services. Many displaced persons are impeded from engaging more actively in the labor market due to their need to care for family members.  Access to credit, finance and business support will continue to be important for both individuals working to maintain and grow their enterprises as well as for individuals seeking to start their own businesses. 8  Providers of essential services, including health care staff and teachers, should be trained to Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions better identify and meet the needs of displaced persons. In addition, awareness raising and sensitisation campaigns, as well as community and cultural events, should be organized and supported to build social cohesion. LPAs and regional integration centers can act as focal points for these efforts. Accessing personal and other documentation without discrimination  Information material on all essential services, including temporary protection status, education, health care, accommodation, employment, and social assistance, should be developed and made more readily available to displaced persons. The information should be in accessible formats and be distributed through channels with effective outreach mechanisms, including online and other digital means such as electronic kiosks.  Reliable communication and information channels must be established. Rural-dwelling LPAs and displaced persons receive information about critical services through sources ranging in reliability, including unofficial sources that present inaccurate information.  Language courses should be available to displaced persons on a rolling basis to facilitate access, especially among overburdened families. A more detailed and extensive list of recommendations can be found at the end of the report. 9 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY AND RESEARCH METHODS Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions As the number of forcibly displaced persons around the world reached a record 120 million in June 20241, the World Bank continues to deepen its efforts to understand and respond to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations. In recognition of the level of priority this issue has taken on in The World Bank, the 2023 edition of the annual World Development Report (WDR) focused on the topic of Migrants, Refugees and Societies.2 This WDR includes a spe- cific call for a medium-term perspective that addresses the needs of refugees and prioritizes clear global and national responsibility sharing. The World Bank’s support for people displaced outside of their home countries is undepinned by its adherence to the Global Compact on Refugees, adopted by the United Nations in 2018.3 Most recently, The World Bank adopted a new corporate scorecard which includes the provision of services and livelihoods to displaced persons and host communities as one of the organizations’s 15 main results indicators.4 This study aims to identify the key impacts, needs of refugees and their host communities in Moldova and recommendations for addressing these needs. It builds on previous and ongoing assessments by various agencies, including UN agencies, in an effort to better understand the current and future implications of refugee movements and settlements in Moldova, especially in terms of service delivery, infrastructure, household livelihoods and local government capacity. Three research approaches have been used: 1) a survey of local public administration officials (LPAs) to better understand their experience of refugee influx and the resulting challenges they face; 2) a qualitative analysis of the circumstances and experiences of displaced Ukraini- ans living in Moldova, based on focus group discussions with displaced persons and members of host communities and on interviews with relevant stakeholders; and 3) a desk review of the existing research, relevant laws and policies, and available data related to displaced persons in Moldova to augment the survey and focus group findings. This report’s survey focused on LPAs because these local officials are the primary government points of contact for displaced population in their communities as well as the interlocutors be- tween displaced persons and national government departments. This study focuses on the per- spectives of LPAs and the open-ended expressed needs and experiences of displaced persons. Below is a more detailed description of each of the methodologies used. 10 Survey of Local public authorities (LPAs) Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions A phone and online, survey of municipal officials—local public authorities (LPAs)—was used to capture the services they provide to displaced persons, what their local governments need to maintain an adequate level of services, and their observations about displaced Ukrainians in their communities. The LPAs’ specific titles varied and included mayors (often in smaller mu- nicipalities), deputy mayors, local clerks or local representatives in charge of managing social assistance programs. At least one LPA per municipality is included in the resulting dataset. The survey included 417 of 490 relevant municipalities that have hosted displaced persons from Ukraine (representing 85% of municipalities that have hosted displaced persons since the start of the conflict and 46% of all municipalities in Moldova). To identify the universe of all relevant actors, the researchers first contacted all identified LPAs to determine whether their communities hosted displaced persons. Over 50% of all LPAs re- sponded during this initial outreach. In total, 490 municipalities were identified as hosting displaced persons. Second, researchers contacted all LPAs whose communities were hosting (or had hosted) displaced persons with the invitation to complete the survey. In total, 417 refu- gee-hosting municipalities took part in the survey. LPAs that did not consent, or had not host- ed displaced persons, were not included in the survey.  Sample size: 417 municipalities  Recorded reporting rate (among municipalities hosting displaced persons): 85%  Recorded reporting rate (among all municipalities): 46%  Survey months: August—September 2023 The survey sought to capture: the size and demographic characteristics of the displaced pop- ulation in each community, the locality’s accommodation capacity, services currently provided by the municipality, and the LPA’s needs as they continue to adapt to the evolving situation and support the displaced populations in their localities. Data Limitations The resulting survey data reflects the observations, perceptions and numeric estimations of LPA representatives. The local displaced populations in their communities may have differ- ent perspectives or experiences of which LPAs are unaware. Furthermore, the LPA sample is not random. The survey sought to interview all 490 relevant municipalities. The roughly 15% municipalities that did not respond to the survey cannot be treated as random; it is possible that those who are not included share qualities that are systematically excluded from the con- clusions highlighted here. Among municipalities that did not participate in this study are the large urban areas of Chisinau and Balti. 11 Focus-group interviews with displaced persons and service providers Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Focus groups sought to capture the experiences of the population of displaced persons from Ukraine, in order to identify and understand: the support provided to and needed by displaced persons and their host communities, when/how displaced persons have applied for temporary protection measures, barriers to registration for temporary protection, options for improving the access to and effectiveness of services provided and avenues for improved support to vul- nerable groups (including women and children). Researchers conducted 10 focus group discussions (eight focus group discussions with displaced persons from Ukraine and two focus group discussions with members of host households; see Annex, Table A) and 12 individual in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders for the study (in- cluding representatives of central and local public administration, members of civil society and other stakeholders; see Annex, Table B). To capture geographic differentiation across the country, Focus Group composition was divided into representation from each of the three non-adminis- trative regions of the country: north, central and south. These regional identifiers are used in the text of this report to reference statements made in Focus Group discussions by people living in these regions. This research was conducted in May-June 2023. Focus groups and interviews were conducted over an online platform (Zoom) and transcribed for analysis. Respondents were informed about the purpose and objectives of the survey, of- fered their consent, and were guaranteed anonymity and confidentiality. Focus group participants were selected using a snow-ball sample (in which participants sug- gested others in their network to participate). Researchers sought to capture variation in age, gender, occupation, and level of education. Researchers also aimed to capture variation in participants housing accommodation type and length of time in Moldova (among displaced persons) and variation in number of displaced persons hosted (among host households). The participants were not selected randomly and therefore cannot be presumed to represent the general displaced or hosting population in Moldova. Desk review Researchers augmented the LPA survey and interview-based research with a desk review of existing research on the situation of displaced persons from Ukraine living in Moldova, as well as an examination of the laws and policies relevant to their residence in Moldova. Multi-sector needs assessment reports spanning the period 2022-2023 were consulted to track and com- prehend the changing needs and perspectives as displaced populations and host communi- ties as they all transition to establishing more durable solutions. Information from this desk review is integrated throughout the report. The Annex provides a list of analyzed studies. 12 CONTEXT IN MOLDOVA Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Demographics and Policies Displaced Ukrainians entering Moldova As of December 2023, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced a recorded 5.9 million to flee across Europe as refugees.5 Between February 2022 and November 2023, almost one million people6 entered Moldova from Ukraine. Most continued on to other countries or returned to Ukraine, but an estimated 112,510 displaced persons from Ukraine7 are recorded to be cur- rently living in Moldova.8 This is more than 4% of Moldova’s total population of 2.7 million According to one estimate, 97% of displaced persons currently living in Moldova are from Ukraine.9 Most displaced Ukrainians come from Odeska (48%), Mykolaivska (17%) and Kyiv and Kyivska Oblasts (10%). FIGURE 1 Ukrainian arrivals to and departures from Moldova10 Arriving Leaving Remaining in Moldova 100k 100k 50k 60k 0k 40k M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N 2022 2023 13 Source: UNHCR Operational Portal, November 2023. FIGURE 2 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Daily Number of people entering in the Republic of Moldova on the Moldovan-Ukrainian border segment during the first three months of the Russia’s invasion Entries % of Ukraine citizens 35,000 100% 30,000 80% 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 24 25 26 27 28 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 FEB MAR APR Source: UNHCR Operational Data Portal. A majority of displaced persons living in Moldova are women and children. According to UN- HCR, 58% of the displaced population in Moldova are women and girls11 and 44% are children under the age of eighteen.12 The LPAs interviewed for this report estimated that as many as 64% of their displaced population are women (they also estimated that only 39% are children). At least two-thirds of the adult displaced population from Ukraine are women, but these estimates vary considerably (66% to 78%13).14 Nearly 30% of displaced persons are women in their 30s.15 Most displaced persons arrived in Moldova with their families, but the shares of solo travel- ers and adults traveling without children are increasing. Displaced persons traveling alone increased from 19% in early 2022 to 43% at the end of that year.16 Half of the adult population entered Moldova with at least one child (falling from 57% to 29% over the course of 2022).17 14 TABLE 1 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Ukrainian displaced persons and third country nationals (TCNs) in Moldova by gender and age, as of May 1, 2024 Number Total <18 24,893 21% Female 18< 43,954 38% <18 26,797 23% Male 18< 22,824 19% <18 51,690 44% Total 18< 66,778 56% Source: UNHCR Operational Data Portal. FIGURE 3 Age breakdown of displaced persons in Moldova 60+ years 9% 6% 15% 50-59 years 9% 2% 11% 40-49 years 9% 4% 23% 30-39 years 9% 7% 35% 18-29 years 9% 3% 16% Women Men Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mar 23 2023. DTM Republic of Moldova — Evolution of Displacement pat- terns, needs and intentions of refugees and Third-Country Nationals from Ukraine — 2022 Trends. IOM, Republic of Moldova. FIGURE 4 Ukraine regions of origin/habitual residence of respondents, before leaving Ukraine, by re- gion and by survey period, 2022. MAR-MAY 47% Odeska SEP-OCT 47% NOV-DEC 60% MAR-MAY 9% Kyiv city and oblast SEP-OCT 12% NOV-DEC 14% MAR-MAY 3% Vinnitska SEP-OCT 8% NOV-DEC 7% MAR-MAY 21% Mykolaivska SEP-OCT 6% NOV-DEC 5% MAR-MAY 5% Kharkivska SEP-OCT 4% NOV-DEC 2% MAR-MAY 15% Other oblas SEP-OCT 13% NOV-DEC 12% 15 Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mar 23 2023. DTM Republic of Moldova — Evolution of Displacement pat- terns, needs and intentions of refugees and Third-Country Nationals from Ukraine — 2022 Trends. IOM, Republic of Moldova. Moldova policy interventions, including temporary protection measures Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Alongside an influx of displaced persons, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine introduced so- cio-economic instability in Moldova, including disruptions in energy supplies, inflation and indirect loss of jobs and trade (caused by sanctions imposed on Commonwealth of Indepen- dent States (CIS) countries). In response, the Republic of Moldova declared a state of emergency in February 2022 and es- tablished temporarily protection for displaced persons in November 2022 to align with Euro- pean reception standards.18 Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) manages the emergency response, including emergency aid, migration flow, asylum and integration of foreigners. In January 2023, the government granted temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine (effective March 2023). Temporary protection (TP) provides displaced people from Ukraine with a stable legal status in Moldova for one year since entry (with possible extension for two years total) and access to work, accommodation in temporary placement centers for persons in need, primary and emergency health care, education for children and social assis- tance services. It does not provide displaced persons with unemployment benefits or pensions. Many of the rights and services granted by TP are similar to those enjoyed by Moldovan citi- zens. As of the writing of this report, the TP was set to cover the period up to May 2025. Registering for TP is the most straight-forward, direct way in which Ukrainian displaced per- sons can regularize their legal status in Moldova and access the services and state resources available to help displaced persons achieve durable solutions to their current situation. The remainder of this section discusses advantages of registering for the TP, enrollment rates and barriers to registering for TP. Moldovan government officials supported by UNHCR have several ongoing efforts to pro- mote communication and information on temporary protection and rights of displaced persons. Moldova’s General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM) works with NGOs, international organizations, host communities, and the Congress of Ukrainians to inform and promote reg- istration through its protection hotlines, welcome centers, a broad media campaign, meetings and collaboration with local authorities, all aimed to provide relevant, accessible information about temporary protection.19 Advantages to registering for TP The TP status provides temporary legal status and residency in Moldova and access to rights and basic services that are crucial for socio-economic integration. Officials reported that the main advantages for displaced persons to register for temporary protection would be to access work opportunities, healthcare, social assistance services and childhood education. In their view, the main reason displaced persons do not register for TP is because they plan to leave Moldova to return to Ukraine or to relocate elsewhere. 16 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions TP as a gateway to resources “I would like to point out that temporary protection gives you the right to register at the polyclinic, because before we did not have access to the family doctor. Since we need medical assistance all the time, now, with these papers, we don’t have problems of this kind.” (M, 69 years old, Ukrainian, living in accommodation center, Center) “I had difficulties with my studies, I mean my child’s first grade enrollment. Very close to home there is a school and we asked for her to be enrolled there, but we were refused. We were told we didn’t have a visa, they suggested we contact the town hall. One possibility to make our stay here legal is to apply for temporary protection sta- tus. After we got it and were issued with a temporary ID, we were accepted, but even now they have referred us about three times for all kinds of documents, applications.” (F, 32, Roma refugee) “They go to the migration office; there they file an application. From the moment they re- ceive the beneficiary’s document, they are entitled to put themselves on a family doctor’s list. Usually, they register with the family doctor who serves the territory where they live. We still have questions from people who have not obtained this document. They also want to receive medical services. But we abide by the law.” (National Health Insurance Company) TP as venue for long-term residency “I’ve heard that without this protection, you can only stay at the centre for three months. In fact, I’m not sure if it’s just about the centre or even the possibility of being on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. That’s why temporary protection offers some rights, some possibilities.” (M, 55 years old, Ukrainian, living in accommodation centre, South) TP enrollment rates The “Quick assessment on the implementation of the temporary protection in Moldova” found that displaced persons were interested in registering for the TP and that there were no major barriers or long delays impeding registration.20 Nonetheless, registration has been relatively low. Far fewer displaced persons have registered with the TP than are presumed to be eligible. As of the end of December 2023, a total of 35,950 people applied for temporary protection (TP), of whom 27,715 have received the status, including 8,326 children. In addition to TP ben- eficiaries, more than 8,000 displaced persons from Ukraine have regularized their stay in the Republic of Moldova, either through the asylum system or by obtaining residence permits for work, education or due to family ties.21 LPAs also report low TP enrollment. As applications are not submitted to LPAs, local officials do not have direct knowledge of registration rates. However, the survey of LPAs suggests that there is under-enrollment, which in turn impedes displaced persons from accessing various 17 additional social services. More than one-third (37.6%) of interviewed officials reported that Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions none of the displaced persons in their localities had applied for TP, and 21% reported that very few had applied. Only one-third (33.8%) of officials responded that all displaced persons in their localities had registered for social assistance and nearly half (46.8%) said that none of their dis- placed populations had done so yet. FIGURE 5 Estimated share of displaced persons who have applied for temporary protection All 11.3% Most 8.2% Some 22.3% Very few 20.6% None 37.6% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. Barriers preventing displaced persons from registering for TP Lack of knowledge among local officials. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of officials reported that they had not received information about the temporary protection directive. Most who knew about the TP directive learned about it from NGOs (27%) or directly from the General Inspec- torate for Migration (26%). FIGURE 6 Sources of information about temporary protection directive I don’t know Other Commercials Police Information leaflets General Inspectorate for Migration NGOs 12.7% 7.7% 6.2% 7.2% 13.4% 26.1% 26.6% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. 18 Plans to leave Moldova. Twenty-one percent of displaced person respondents in the “Quick as- Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions sessment on the implementation of the temporary protection in Moldova”22 report did not plan to apply for temporary protection. Among those, 61% were waiting to see how the situation in Ukraine evolves. Similarly, roughly 62% of LPAs participating in the survey said that displaced persons in their municipalities planned to leave Moldova for other countries and/or to return to Ukraine. Displaced persons participating in this study reported wanting to leave, because their children had not adapted to life in Moldova, they wished to return to family members in Ukraine, or they felt their home was safe for return. For example, one respondent said: “We have not done temporary protection as we plan to return home soon. I have a teenage son and he absolutely refuses to stay here any longer. The child doesn’t want to live under the conditions here, which are very different from what he had at home. He has no friends here, even though he attended the local school. His beloved animals are left in Ukraine. Even his grandmother wants to go back and die in her own country” (F, 43, refugee, disabled mother). FIGURE 7 Reasons for not applying for temporary protection status according to LPA survey. They plan to leave Moldova, to other countries 61.9% They plan to return to Ukraine 61.6% They do not know about this possibility 14.9% They are afraid that they will not be able to leave Moldova 13.9% They don't need it, because they have sufficient financial means 7.9% They don’t know how to apply or faced issues when applying 7.4% They do not trust the services provided by the RM 3.1% Other 3.1% They are not interested / do not need 9.1% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. 45-day departure restriction. Several interviewees cited the TP’s 45-day travel restriction as preventing them from registering with the TP. Under the Government’s initial TP decision, from 18 January 2023, beneficiaries would lose their TP if they were outside of Moldova for more than 45 cumulative days. Their status upon return was unclear. As a result, displaced persons from Ukraine reported that they wished to have the freedom to temporarily leave Moldova (for example, to return to Ukraine to visit family members or seek critical medical care). This 45-day requirement was only recently lifted with the new TP decision of 28 February 2024. 23 19 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Hesitancy due to the 45-day departure restrictions “To be honest, it’s not exactly comfortable. For example, my 84-year-old grandmother is in Odessa. Even though she is taking care of herself, God forbid something should happen, we go to her at the earliest opportunity. With these limits imposed, it’s not very comfortable. My mother has already been out of the country once since she got temporary protection and the days, she can be there are limited.” (F, 36 years old, Ukrainian woman living in accommodation centre, Centre) “The only reason I don’t have temporary protection yet is that you can only leave the country for 45 days. I have decided to wait for more favourable possibilities, which would not impose any limits, but if that is not possible, I will apply for this status of temporary protection. In the next days I will go to the lawyer and I will specify some moments, if I am not wrong, it can be obtained repeatedly.” (M, 54, refugee with disability) Awareness of ability to renew TP status “Temporary protection gives you the right to leave the country and then return within 45 days without having it withdrawn. If you overstay, you can get it back by submit- ting the required documents. We were told about these things in three meetings, plus the lawyer explained all the details very accessibly.” (F, 36 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) Lack of knowledge about TP. Displaced persons’ accommodation centers seemed to be bet- ter informed about the benefits of temporary protection. They received information during meetings, sometimes from lawyers and other experts, who could explain the usefulness of the TP regarding access to services. Those living elsewhere may lack similar access to information. Uncertainty of TP benefits. Several respondents mentioned they had vague or uncertain knowledge about the benefits and rights offered under the temporary protection status. Registration difficulties. According to the “Quick Assessment” survey, 44% of displaced per- sons who were not planning to apply to TP cited a variety of registration issues24: difficulties obtaining proof of residency for themselves and/or their children, difficulties completing the online application form, need of support to fill out the online form, trouble uploading docu- ment images, and difficulties adding family members to their applications. Too focused on daily tasks to register. Some displaced persons mentioned being too con- sumed by their daily tasks and concerns to set aside time to apply for temporary protection. For example: “As far as I know, if you get temporary protection, you can get child benefit, social assistance. I didn’t seek detailed information because when they extended the state of emergency, we had time to think about it, but now that the countdown of these days will start on 15 May, I think every Ukrainian will think about how to proceed. For now, we are concerned with the completion of the school year, then we will think about the rest” (F, 36, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, North). 20 International and NGO responses Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions The Government of Moldova has demonstrated leadership in responding to the needs of displaced persons from Ukraine, supported by strong international humanitarian interven- tion coordinated by UNHCR. As the displacement situation becomes protracted, more long- term development interventions, aimed at supporting displaced persons’ socio-economic in- clusion, is needed. The Government’s Action Plan on Granting Temporary Protection to Displaced Persons from Ukraine (Decision 21) supports implementation and coordinates across government, inter- national and nongovernmental agencies to do so. Together, they aim to: provide transparent and equitable sharing of information on temporary protection, establish the legal status of displaced persons, ensure access to the full scope of rights of displaced persons, and promote social cohesion among displaced persons and their local host communities. As the humanitarian crisis has receded and the trajectory and duration of Russia’s inva- sion remains uncertain, the Moldovan government will move towards a more progressive inclusion of refugees in its national systems, in line with the commitments made by Mol- dova at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. These commitments include a focus on the areas of socio-economic inclusion, social protection and child rights, inclusion in national statistical systems, protection from gender-based violence, education, access to documentation, and safeguards against statelessness. Local government responses As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues and areas of Ukraine remain unstable, the popu- lation of persons displaced from Ukraine living in Moldova will continue to need support. Given the uncertainty of the war, stakeholders will need to work with the displaced population to develop long-term living and working conditions for those displaced households who re- main in Moldova. Among these stakeholders, local public authorities (LPAs) are often the points of contact be- tween government entities and displaced persons.25 They are also responsible for responding to the evolving needs and concerns of community members. Hence, they are at the interface of relations between displaced persons and their host community. However, initial research of the immediate and emergent situation has not focused on capturing the perspectives of these officials. LPAs are well-positioned to observe and report back on the unique needs within their communities. As communities move toward establishing long-term, and durable solutions for displaced populations, understanding LPAs’ needs and perspectives—and crafting policy in- terventions based on these perspectives—will become increasingly important. 21 LPAS Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions CRITICAL POINTS OF CONTACT LPA Roles This section discusses how surveyed local public authorities (LPAs) report counting and in- teracting with the displaced populations living in their municipalities. LPAs from a few major urban/metropolitan areas with considerable displaced populations (e.g., Chisinau and Balti) are not included in this research, as they did not participate in the survey. LPAs played—and continue to play—a crucial role in Moldova’s effort to provide assistance and to support the progress toward durable solutions for displaced people. According to one representative from the General Inspectorate for Migration: “We have to be grateful to the LPAs for all the effort they made because from the first days when the war started, the blow was on them. They set up centers for these people.” LPAs may be mayors, deputy mayors, local clerks, local council members, or those respon- sible for social assistance administration. Mayors and local councils are elected for four-year terms. With the support of international organizations and local NGOs, LPAs were the first line of support to displaced populations, providing immediate services before national-level sup- port mechanisms were established. Having stepped into that role, they now continue to serve critical functions for displaced populations in their communities, including coordinating the distribution of aid and support from national or third-party organizations to displaced persons. However, local officials and institutions generally lack the financial resources to directly con- tribute to the crisis management. LPAs were included in the survey if their municipalities have hosted displaced persons at some point since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In aggregate, surveyed LPAs’ communities may have hosted as many as 35,000 displaced persons since the start of the war. The number of hosted persons varies dramatically from one community to another.26 According to LPAs, three-fourths of their communities are currently hosting displaced persons. FIGURE 8 The number of displaced persons in the community now 11+ persons 6-10 persons 3-5 persons 1-2 person None 19.2% 13.7% 18.9% 22.1% 25.7% 22 0.5% | NA Source: LPA Survey, 2023. LPAs have the capacity to support a modest amount of additional displaced persons. LPAs Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions reported that most of their displaced populations (65%) were living with host households and the remaining 35% were living in accommodation centers. On average, LPAs reported that their municipalities could activate 5 public accommodation locations in the event of a new wave of displaced persons, totaling 1,745 currently unused accommodation locations. LPA interactions with displaced persons Most officials reported using a paper registry to track displaced persons (69% used paper for displaced people entering and 61.4% used paper for displaced persons departing the locality). Only 11-13% of officials reported registering displaced persons in the national-level electronic database. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of officials had not accessed support from the Gen- eral Inspectorate for Migration to aid their support to the displaced population. FIGURE 9 Methods of evidence of displaced persons in the community Who are in or coming to the locality Who leave the locality 69.3% Pen & paper special register for refugees’ evidence 61.4% 24.2% Ordinary register for socially vulnerable people in community 21.3% 18.0% Special electronic register / database developed locally 16.8% 13.2% Special electronic register / database developed at national / governmental level 11.3% 1.7% Another method 1.2% 1.7% Can’t keep track 8.9% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. Roughly two-thirds of LPA have regular interaction with displaced persons in their commu- nities. More than half of officials interacted with displaced persons when displaced persons contacted them with requests (52%). Officials also made home visits (49%), communicated with representatives for displaced populations (47%), or hosted meetings with displaced per- sons (16%) or community meetings in which displaced persons participated (16%). Most LPAs do not interact directly with relevant national government agencies. Only 34% LPAs reported that they interacted with General Inspectorate for Migration. In addition, 23% interacted with police and 7% interacted with Border Police Department. Lack of financial resources is the most frequent constraint that LPAs encountered in support- ing displaced populations. LPAs also reported difficulties in maintaining essential staff/personnel, in finding qualified personnel, and in training citizen volunteers; lack of knowledge about national legislation and procedures for supporting displaced persons; and lack of training to support dis- 23 placed populations, to provide needed psychological care, and to care for displaced children. FIGURE 10 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Main constraints for LPAs in providing support to displaced persons from Ukraine YES NO Financial difficulties of the town hall 78.7% 21.3% Difficulties in maintaining staff/maintaining human capital 37.9% 62.1% Difficulties in identifying qualified personnel 30.0% 70.0% Difficulties in training citizens in voluntary activities 26.4% 73.6% Difficulties related to knowledge of national refugee protection legislation and referral procedures 23.7% 76.3% Difficulties related to limited knowledge of the particularities of working with refugees, including refugees with disabilities 21.6% 78.4% Difficulties related to providing psychological support or alternative care for refugees 20.4% 79.6% Difficulties in ensuring the protection of unaccompanied and separated children and/or knowledge about it 15.3% 84.7% Difficulties related to the protection and prevention of abuse and sexual exploitation of refugees, including refugee children 11.8% 88.2% Difficulties related to knowledge of the Russian/Ukrainian language 11.3% 88.7% Difficulties related to limited knowledge about gender-based violence in emergency situations 10.6% 89.4% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. Although displaced persons in urban areas and/or accommodation centers have access to information and services from a variety of experts and providers, those in rural areas rely more directly on LPAs. Displaced persons living in accommodation centers interacted directly with managers, lawyers, advocates and/or hotlines. However, those staying with relatives or in rented accommodations were more likely to seek support from LPAs (e.g., a mayor or social worker). Displaced persons living in rural areas reported receiving basic living essentials from their LPAs. Some displaced persons indicated knowledge of a wider range of support avenues, including the Ukrainian embassy, the General Inspectorate for Migration, online portals, social 24 media, fellow nationals, local community leaders, and civil society organizations. Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Efforts to seek support in accommodation centers “At the director. She’s a very kind and responsive person, she responds to everyone and gives them the help they need... She’s available 24 hours a day, she even stays overnight at the centre.” (M, 55 years old, Ukrainian, staying in accommodation centre, South) “Personally, if I have questions, I turn to the hotline, even if it doesn’t always help. One young woman was working as a volunteer, and her boss was hitting on her. She turned him down and he would give her all sorts of nasty things. It went as far as threats of being fired. Of course, the hotline listened to me, but they didn’t take any action.” (M, 38 years old, Ukrainian in accommodation centre, North) Support from LPAs and other service providers At the end of the heating season we ran out of wood, but we addressed to the local public authorities and they helped us with briquettes. This year I collected the money they give us as an allowance and bought wood for the next season.” (M, 52, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, Centre) Initially, the refugees registered with the town hall so that they could be given ac- commodation. I was offered material aid from the municipality because the child is disabled. On New Year’s Eve I was offered another aid, as far as I understand, from the UN, through the town hall, for the elderly inhabitants of Balti, but they gave me 1000 lei for the child.” (M, 41, Ukrainian, renting, North) “I know I can turn to Caritas, Casmed, CERI [Children Emergency Relief International]. I go to the migration service if I have questions or concerns, I go directly to them. I have addressed them regarding the processing of documents. They explained everything to me, I submitted the papers and received a positive opinion within a month.” (M, 47, Ukrainian, renting, Centre) “There is the Telegram channel and from there we can find out everything we are interested in. If needed, you can find it on different networks. If I have a question, a query, I can ask the lawyer, who consults me.” (F, 40 years old, Ukrainian woman living in accommodation centre, Centre) 25 Applying a Framework for Assessing Durable Solutions Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions This report draws upon the criteria for creating durable solutions for displaced persons includ- ed in the IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons.27 While the IASC Framework is designed to address the needs of internally displaced persons, it is focused on helping to support displaced persons to a point where they “no longer have any specific assistance and protection needs that are linked to their displacement and can enjoy their hu- man rights without discrimination on account of their displacement”. Durable solutions can be achieved through return, local integration or resettlement. This is the core aim of this report as well: To identify ways to move displaced persons living in Moldova to achieve durable solutions. The sections below include some modifications to the IASC criteria to be more targeted to the needs of displaced persons from Ukraine. For example, issues of safety and security are not as much oriented towards the dangers of ongoing military warfare, but rather the safety of living in a country where there may be verbal abuse and potentially violence against displaced persons. Other such distinctions between application of the IASC criteria for displaced persons (compared to IDPs) will be compared to IDPs will be explained in the sections below. The following list includes all eight criteria for durable solutions included in the IASC Framework, and identifies the ways in which the criteria will be applied to the context of external displacement outside of one’s home country.  Long-Term Safety and Security – This criterion will be applied, as it focuses on the safety and security of displaced persons where they are living.  Enjoyment of an Adequate Standard of Living without Discrimination – This criterion will be applied, as it focuses on the extent to which displaced persons can access basic services such as housing, education and health care.  Access to Livelihoods and Employment – This criterion will be applied, as it focuses on the ability of displaced persons to have sufficient income to provide for the financial needs of their families.  Effective and Accessible Mechanisms to Restore Housing, Land and Property – This criterion will not be applied, as it focuses on returning housing, land and property to displaced persons in their home country. It is therefore the responsibility of the Government of Ukraine rather than relevant to Moldova’s support for displaced persons.  Access to Personal and Other Documentation without Discrimination – This criterion will be applied, as it focuses on the ability of displaced persons to have in their possession the documents they need to work, access services and clarify their legal standing. Application of the criteria will be adapted to also focus on the documents needed by foreigners living in a host country and the status of their residence. 26  Family Reunification – This criterion will not be applied, as it focuses on reuniting families upon return to their place of origin. It is therefore the responsibility of the Government of Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Ukraine, rather than Moldova.  Participation in Public Affairs without Discrimination –This criterion will not be applied, as it focuses mainly on the ability to vote in elections and be elected or hired as a public servant. While elections and public service are not relevant for an individual with refugee status, it is important for displaced persons to have the opportunity to participate in civic life, joining community meetings, volunteering and providing feedback to public service providers as to the quality and responsiveness of services.  Access to effective remedies and justice – This criterion will not be applied, as it focuses on injustices and human rights violations that were committed in an individual’s home country. It is therefore the responsibility of the Government of Ukraine and potentially a forum for international justice. While several of the IASC criteria are more directly applicable to the Government of Ukraine, the Government of Moldova and other stakeholders in the country can play a role in support- ing displaced persons to reach durable solutions at home through intergovernmental cooper- ation, engagement of the Embassy of Ukraine, sharing of information and other means. Each of the sections below begin with a description of each criterion, followed by an analysis of the current and potential future pathways towards durable solutions. 27 Establishing long-term safety and security Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced people should enjoy physical safety and security on the basis of effective protection by national and local authorities. While absolute safety and security may often not be achievable, displaced people must not be the subject of attacks, harassment, intimidation, persecution, or any other form of punitive action. Displacement and its social consequences render women, boys and girls more vulnerable to exploitation, intra-family violence or sexual violence, which must also be addressed. Overall feeling of safety and security A substantial portion of the displaced population has departed Moldova for other countries in the European Union and elsewhere, leaving some of the most vulnerable groups remain- ing in Moldova. Those who remain in Moldova are disproportionately vulnerable groups who are unable to emigrate further.28 One urban LPA estimated that 60-70% of their current popu- lation were mothers with several children, those with significant health issues, and people who cannot afford to relocate.29 People living in displacement centers (free of charge) are among the most economically vulnerable, including people who are unable to pay for rent, do not have access to remote work, and/or do not have experience working outside the home (e.g., those who identify as housewives).30 According to LPAs, displaced persons from Ukraine experience support from their host communities and experience very little safety-related issues or local hostility. Ninety-two percent of LPAs reported that their local communities were very or somewhat supportive of displaced persons. They report almost no incidents of discrimination. Only 1.9% of LPAs said they knew cases of refusal in employment and only 0.2% of LPAs were aware of cases of refusal to provide healthcare. 28 FIGURE 11 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions General attitude of local population toward displaced persons YES NO Individuals with right of residence 77.0% 23.0% Beneficiaries of international protection (humanitarian protection or refugee status) 94.7% 5.3% Recognized stateless persons 96.0% 4.0% Asylum seekers 97.8% 2.2% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. Gender-based violence Almost all displaced persons (95%) reported no concern about gender-based mistreatment in their current communities.31 However, this number may represent an under-reporting among those who have experienced or worry about experiencing gender-based violence, sex- ual exploitation, or abuse. The displaced population community did not report high levels of threat of gender-based vi- olence, but their awareness of support venues could improve. The majority of the respondents to a UNFPA survey on GBV in Moldova reported almost no risks for women, boys or girls in their family.32 In addition, 95% of respondents reported no safety or security concerns. However, 55% of surveyed displaced persons households said that women who have suffered GBV would not seek support out of fear of retaliation (55% of households) and/or stigma/shame (49%). In addition, 17% lacked awareness of available services and 12% did not have trust in their host country’s services. Only 8% of households said they would seek services following an experience of gender-based violence. This suggests the possibility of under-reporting. Meanwhile, only 83% of people were aware that they could go to the police,33 and very few were aware of the government (13%) and NGO (3%) support hotline. Improving awareness could make critical support available to those in need and may help address under-reporting.34 Focus groups with individuals hosting refugees in their homes found that there are events organized for community members on gender-based violence which they have participated in. This represents an encouraging finding, as the risk of such violence cuts across refugees and host community members. Contrary to these general sentiments, evidence suggests that women and vulnerable pop- ulations regularly face safety concerns. Some displaced persons—particularly those in rural areas—lack access to safe transportation and to services for those living with disabilities (in- cluding children). Meanwhile, gender-based violence—including psychological violence and insults—is on the rise.35 29 Potential trafficking in persons Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Trafficking in persons (TiP) was a concern in Moldova prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, yet the risks of trafficking and exploitation for refugees and third country nationals who have fled Ukraine are heightened by the fact that a majority of these individuals are women and children, many of whom have been separated from their families. Various support ser- vices have been provided by national and international civil society organizations, as well as the Government of Moldova, information campaigns, a national hotline and training for police and other government officials. There is a National Anti-trafficking Program 2024-2028 coordinat- ed by the Permanent Secretariat for Combatting Trafficking of Persons.36 While the LPA survey did not include questions regarding trafficking of persons, the issue did arise in one of the focus groups. One participant mentioned that: A pedophile contacted me and asked for the contact details of mothers with children. I saw two ways, either to reject him or to play his game, so I could hand him over to the police. Because I had called the police, I had to communicate with him for more than two months. Having a two-year-old, it was extremely hard to pretend to support his pe- dophilic ideas. The police didn’t do much and only gave me empty promises.” The experience clearly reflects the need for ongoing awareness raising among displaced people and a more committed response on the part of the police. Discrimination and hostility Many displaced persons expressed deep gratitude to Moldova and its citizens for their gener- osity and support. Several stressed that Ukrainians and Moldovans are united under their shared history and cultural similarities as former members of the USSR.37 Many mentioned that they did not feel discriminated against, pointed to active efforts to prevent discrimination, and highlighted that they (as displaced persons from Ukraine) had been given resources and support networks in case they experienced discrimination or hostility.38 In the focus group discussions, members of households hosting refugees indicated that they were also not aware of specific instances of dis- crimination. One participant did, however, note that, while he was not aware of any discrimination and he felt that their rights were being respected, displaced persons do still “feel like strangers in a foreign country” and do not dare to ask for things they need (M, 66, host household). However, some displaced persons report experiencing hostilities in Moldova. Nine percent of house- holds of displaced persons from Ukraine living in Moldova reported having experienced hostile behav- ior, primarily in the form of verbal aggression (although a few reported experiencing physical attacks or hostile behavior online). Almost half of those experiencing hostility attributed the hostility to their nationality (45%) and another one-quarter (26%) attributed it to their status as displaced persons.39 Displaced persons report increasing experiences of hostilities and/or discrimination. According to one displaced person, ‘Some people stop us in the street… they say that we are responsible for the war.” 40 There is a perception among the displaced population that hostility—particularly verbal hostility—is increasing in public spaces, including at playgrounds and in school. People also per- ceive that discrimination (e.g., for jobs, apartments or in social spaces) is increasing as well. 30 Others reported that language barriers undermine their ability to navigate life, access ser- Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions vices and build connections in their areas of refuge. For example: “You stand in line and when you speak in Russian, the shop assistant addresses you in Romanian and doesn’t want to speak to you in Russian at all. These are rare, but quite unpleasant situations” (F, 45 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South). Indeed, in the focus group setting, several displaced persons reported cases in which they experienced hostility for being Ukrainian. Displaced persons highlighted cases of explicit hos- tility that occurred in a variety of settings, including in medical facilities (language discrimina- tion), in schools (bullying), in traffic (hostility), and even from their own relatives. Language discrimination “There was a situation, but I put up with it and accepted it. Children get sick a lot and when I went to the ENT specialist, a young specialist, he refused to speak to me in Russian. I told him I was a refugee and showed him my papers, but I only understood what he was saying thanks to the nurse who was sitting next to me and translating what the doctor was saying. He knew Russian, and when I told him I was a refugee, he reproached me that I came to a foreign country and had to learn the language.” (F, 39, refugee, disabled children) Physical violence in public “I didn’t face discrimination, but there is an acquaintance of mine who was attacked by two strangers and beaten. He went to the police, but the perpetrators were not caught.” (F, 36, Roma refugee) School bullying “A family came to the centre who had originally lived in a village only because their 11-year-old daughter was being bullied at school because she was Ukrainian. The parents decided to move to the centre. Here the girl continued her studies online.” (F, 43 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) “I haven’t faced discrimination myself, but I know of one case where a little girl faced bullying. They offended her because she was from Ukraine and told her that girls there were promiscuous. The child was transferred to another school and was fine.” (F, 36, Roma refugee) 31 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Traffic hostility “As a driver, I often encounter negative attitudes towards Ukrainians among other driv- ers. They may open the window and shout something offensive. I had one case when another driver rear-ended me and a pensioner behind the wheel, passing by, shouted at me to go to Ukraine and drive like this.... So, I can say, there was no discrimination on the part of the state, only on the part of some locals.” (F, 33, Ukrainian, renting, Centre) “I had just one incident. A minibus was passing and I was in the car. One of the passen- gers gave me the middle finger and told me to go to Ukraine, but I smiled at him and continued my way.” (M, 38 years old, Ukrainian in accommodation centre, North) Relatives “Discrimination comes from one’s own relatives, because others help us, sympathize with us and behave very nicely. If we have problems, we go to the town hall, we have acquain- tances in the locality, even friends, we help each other.” (F, 28, Ukrainian, renting, North) Social tensions may be rising on account of perceptions that some groups have unfair ac- cess to services (discussed in detail in the next section). There is a perception among some Moldovans that displaced persons receive more government support than they do. There is also a perception of uneven distribution of aid to displaced persons, with limited availability or access for those living outside urban centers.41 Local officials (e.g., LPAs) can play an important, positive role in cultivating a welcoming at- titude. Mayors and other local authorities play a crucial role in shaping community perceptions and can influence attitudes towards different groups of people, including displaced persons and people of different faiths. LPAs who accept and support cultural and religious diversity, especially in the context of displaced persons, contribute to creating a more inclusive and tol- erant environment in the community. LPAs can facilitate inclusion “LPAs are the ones who communicate with the community. The mayor and the local public authority are the voice that takes the message to the community and they are of paramount importance. If the LPA will welcome the Roma in the locality, then the inhabitants will welcome them. If the LPA is going to show resistance, so will the community.” (MMPS) “With the wave of refugees, people of different faiths, including Muslims, have also come. In offering a hot meal, you had to take into account that these people don’t eat pork. The municipality also offered special food to this group of people, respect- ing their tradition and religion.” (LPA, Centre) 32 Social cohesion Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions In general, displaced persons and volunteers reported friendly and welcoming attitudes within host communities. Some displaced persons, particularly those settled in small rural communities, said they had established close relationships, attended social events, and re- ceived generous help and support from their neighbors. Members of households hosting displaced persons shared similar stories, including taking children to school, taking care of children and providing displaced persons access to their gardens for growing food. Many high- lighted that Ukraine and Moldova shared similar language knowledge (Russian), cultural val- ues, religious identities and histories as former members of the USSR. Positive reception “Overall, there are no problems. I can tell you that volunteers come and they have a very welcoming attitude. I haven’t had any difficulties with other residents of the town in terms of communication or attitude. If you start speaking in Russian, they respond immediately in the same language, without any reproach or negative atti- tude.” (M, 69 years old, Ukrainian, living in accommodation centre, Centre) “Our centre is in the village, a big and beautiful one. No problems with the locals have arisen whatsoever. Moreover, when you go to the shop, there is always someone who wants to serve you something... Besides, here in Moldova, we christened one of our daughters. The local women came up with the initiative to baptize her, we even organized a small party for her. So, we even established some kind of kinship.” (M, 55 years old, Ukrainian in accommodation centre, South) “We get along, there were no conflicts. Neighbours have asked us even if we need something. They were also helped with clothes for the children, especially for winter season.” (F, 32, host, Centre) Common identities “Knowledge of Russian is a factor facilitating communication between refugees and the host community. Religion, too. We have the same faith, the same holidays, which unite us. We are close in terms of food, predisposition towards certain cultural values, certain taboos. I believe that the host community offers maximum support to refu- gees and not necessarily because they will be paid. This part of empathy, of purely human support, exists at all levels. I have this feeling; people understand and would not want to be in the place of these people.” (LPA, Centre) 33 However, some displaced persons had negative encounters with people living in Moldova Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions (including their own relatives) who supported Russia and/or reiterated mis-information about the nature of the war. Support for Russia “We came to our relatives, we stayed with them for a while, but we didn’t think the relatives might be Putin supporters. Five months ago, my brother died on the front, he was 26. Knowing our attitude towards Russia and Putin, they claimed that Putin is good and Zelensky is bad. We had a big fight with our relatives and we addressed to the town hall, and they found us a house.” (F, 28, Ukrainian, renting, North) Misinformation “89% of Moldova’s population support Russian peace. There have been contradicto- ry discussions on this subject, with locals, with neighbours, even with relatives here. They don’t think what is happening in our country is real, they say we are making it up. This moment bothers me a lot, frankly.” (F, 45, refugee, child with disability) Displaced persons made several suggestions to help improve social cohesion between themselves and their host communities. These included: limiting local access to potentially biased Russian news sources, clarifying the sources of aid for displaced persons and extend- ing additional support to host communities (discussed later in this report), organizing social events, promoting educational cultural exchanges and dialogues and promoting community participation in the development of local policy initiatives. Limiting access to Russian news sources “Let Russian news be banned and then everything will be fine. People hear and some even believe what they hear.” (F, 34 years old, Ukrainian living in accommoda- tion center, North) Clarify sources of aid “Some people don’t like us very much, they think Moldova is helping us financially, but in fact an Austrian company makes the investments. Why are they helping us? Because it’s the only country that doesn’t accept refugees, but it helps us financially. And not only refugees from Moldova, but also from other countries. Many people don’t know this and get angry, because they don’t have so many possibilities, even the same food products to buy, because they are expensive.” (F, 47 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) “It was written that the refugees were paid certain amounts and the common resi- dent could perceive that this money was paid from the municipal budget, that’s why every time I read such texts, I wrote in the comments that the sources of this money were international organizations.” (M, 41, Ukrainian, renting, North) 34 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Extend additional support to host communities “I would propose that the projects implemented should be 50-50, with both refugees and our own people being helped. In some cases this formula has already been applied because ours have also received aid, including financial aid, vouchers.” (LPA, North) Organize social events “We really want to integrate them, to befriend them, but many still go to the village, they have friends, they gather especially on Sundays and talk. Every month we have 4-5 activities. We have an ensemble, „Țărăncuța” (Peasant), elderly people, who used to come every month to our beneficiaries in the centre. And now we organize activ- ities with them, dances, we weave wreaths for Sânzâiene (Midsummer), we throw them on the water. We do all these activities together with the town hall. The mayor is present at all activities and even takes part in them.” (NGO, accommodation cen- tre, North, rural) “A very successful activity was organised on the occasion of Refugee Day. They pre- sented their national cuisine, paintings. Our people also participated and the rela- tions between them became even closer... Now most of the activities are carried out by non-governmental organizations, and at the beginning they were organized by the local cultural associations.” (LPA, North) 35 Establishing an adequate standard of living Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced people should enjoy, without discrimination, an adequate standard of living, including at a minimum basic shelter and housing, essential medical services, food and potable water, sanitation and at least primary school education. The government of Moldova, in coordination with international organizations, NGOs, host communities, and local authorities, is working to provide displaced Ukrainians the services they need in order to maintain an adequate standard of living. Through policies like the tem- porary protection directive, local officials (including LPAs), medical service providers, schools and host communities provide services to displaced persons in their communities. Many dis- placed persons expressed gratitude for these sources of support.42 LPAs reported providing a range of services and resources to displaced persons. Among LPAs surveyed, 80% provided food and hygienic products, 66% provided clothing, 62% provided medicine, and 63% helped with accommodations. It appears that, in most of these cases, LPAs coordinated the provision of services provided by international and national organizations, but their municipalities did not cover the actual costs of providing these services (only 2.9% of LPAs reported covering costs of service provisions). Most LPAs reported that they responded to all requests from displaced persons in their mu- nicipalities; only 22% said there were some requested services they were unable to facilitate. In most of these later cases, displaced persons requested some form of financial assistance: insurance with financial resources (48% of the 22%), cash assistance (38.5%) and financial sup- port to host families (36%). Information technology tools help displaced persons access life-sustaining services in Mol- dova. Online and phone platforms (including Google, Telegram and refugee hotlines) were used by displaced persons to access information as well as services, including social welfare services, lawyers, counsellors.43 The section below discusses access to food, housing, medical care, and education, the role of the TP status as a mechanism for providing support and the barriers displaced persons encounter. 36 FIGURE 12 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Types of support provided at the community level, according to surveyed LPAs Coordination Provision Financing NA Food 82.3% 44.3% 48.7% 2.9% Provision of hygiene products 79.4% 47.1% 43.2% 2.7% Provision of food products 68.6% 46.2% 40.9% 4.5% for the host families Clothing / footwear 65.9% 44.9% 45.3% 2.9% Housing / residence 62.6% 55.6% 37.5% Medicines / medical services 61.9% 52.3% 38.0% 2.3% Safety and security issue 60.7% 61.7% 28.1% 0.8% Support in establishing 60.7% 71.5% 19.0% 0.8% refugee status Psychological counselling 59.2% 75.7% 23.1% Access to law enforcement 58.3% 72.8% 16.5% 0.8% and justice Support in placing children in 57.3% 57.3% 35.6% 0.8% educational institutions Registration for temporary 56.8% 66.2% 21.9% 1.3% protection status Support for heating 55.9% 46.4% 44.6% 4.7% in cold period Legal counselling (especially 54.4% 73.1% 22.9% related to rights as refugees) Provision of materials/resources 50.8% 47.6% 42.9% 3.3% for children (supplies, toys, etc.) Childcare for young children 49.9% 51.4% 40.4% 1.4% Financial support 47.2% 64.5% 19.8% 4.6% for host families Job search support 42.7% 73.6% 18.0% 1.1% Organization and equipment 25.4% 50.9% 39.6% 4.7% of child-friendly spaces Communication resources 25.4% 56.6% 33.0% 4.7% (phone card, internet) Financial resources (except cash 24.7% 68.6% 11.8% 3.9% assistance programs) Cash assistance 23.5% 62.2% 22.4% 3.1% Transportation to in 19.7% 36.6% 56.1% 2.4% the country or abroad Accommodation in the center 15.1% 50.8% 41.3% 1.6% 37 intended for displaced persons Source: LPA Survey, 2023. FIGURE 13 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions LPA answers to the question: What are the services requested by displaced persons from Ukraine, that you could not provide or find someone to provide? Insurance with financial resources 48.4% Insurance with transport to a destination point in the host country 41.8% Cash assistance 38.5% Financial support for host families 36.3% Housing / residence 29.7% Provision of communication resources (phone card, internet) 24.2% Legal consultations (especially related to documents) 23.1% Insurance with medicines / medical services 20.9% Support for heating in cold period 19.8% Accommodation in the center intended for displaced persons 19.8% Job search support 17.6% Psychological counselling 17.6% Food 15.4% Support in establishing refugee status 14.3% Provision of hygienic products 14.3% Provision of food products for the host families 13.2% Access to law enforcement and justice 12.1% Organization and equipment of child-friendly spaces 12.1% Registration for temporary protection status 11.0% Provision of materials/resources for children (supplies, toys, etc.) 11.0% Clothing / footwear 9.9% Safety and security issues 8.8% Childcare for young children 7.7% Support in placing children in educational institutions 6.6% Other 2.2% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. 38 Various communities remain underserved (including vulnerable populations like children Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions and those with disabilities), and assistance services are insufficiently reaching rural areas. One reason is a lack of effective case management and referral pathways (including for Roma families).44 Displaced persons and stakeholders regularly raised these issues.45 Food, water, and essentials IA present, displaced persons’ access to adequate food and water is largely secured. This contrasts to the period immediately following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when as many as 72% of displaced persons lacked adequate access to food.46 According to the Multi-sector Needs Assessment for 2023, 98% of survey respondents scored an acceptable level in the Food Con- sumption Score (which measures whether a person has adequate access to sufficient amount of nutritious food) and were able to prepare their own food where they lived. Displaced persons also appear to have adequate access to safe drinking water: 67% reported that one of their main sources of drinking water was the public water supply system, 43% bottled water, 10% relied on private or public shallow wells, and only 1% reported water trucking as a main source. The vast majority of households (88%) have access to bathrooms with an electric water heater and 94% have access to flushable toilets. Only 6% of households (mostly residing in the South and the North) must use pit latrines.47 Shelter and housing Most displaced persons have transitioned from accommodation centers, and from relying on support for housing, to more stable, self-sufficient arrangements. The 2023 MSNA found that 85% of households who responded to the survey were living in private accommodation, 9% in shared accommodation, 7% in accredited Refugees Accommodation Centers (RACs), and less than 1% in hotels, hostels, or not accredited RACs. There were no reported concerns of evic- tion and 85% of households reported that they were able to pay their rent on time. For most households (84%), no issues were reported concerning accommodation conditions, although 5% mentioned that sleeping materials (mattresses, blankets, etc.) were insufficient, 3% mentioned the lack of separate showers and/or toilets and lack of sufficient hot water, and 2% mentioned a situation of insufficient privacy (no partitions or doors inside the accommodation).48 In the focus group with host households, many participants indicated that the arrangements were working well, but many also reported feeling unsettled, with one participant saying “we are cohabitants” (M, 28 host household) and another saying “I’m not really at home” (F, 64, host household). A majority of displaced persons are in a financial position to stay in their current accommodation for an extended period, but a significant percentage are unsure or not currently in a financial position to be able to stay beyond 6 months. The 2023 MSNA survey found that 64% of households could stay in their current accommodation 6 months or longer, 24% were not sure about the possible duration of stay, 5% estimated to be able to remain for only 3-6 months, while 6% for 3 months or less. Most localities appear able to help displaced persons access appropriate housing. Only 11% of officials reported that half or more of their displaced populations had difficulty finding hous- ing. For example, one official whose locality is currently housing 220 displaced persons said that a “big part” of their displaced population faced difficulty in finding appropriate housing. 39 While the accommodation situation has improved for most displaced persons since the Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions time of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, focus group discussions highlighted some ongo- ing day-to-day concerns, including vulnerability to real estate market exploitation and/or an inability to find satisfactory living environments. The following quotes from displaced persons capture some of these key accommodation issues. Satisfaction in accommodation center “We have hot water, a well-equipped kitchen where we prepare food with plea- sure. The conditions are excellent, we really have nothing to complain about. The staff is wonderful, we have been received with great kindness. We have a sports ground, a children’s playground, in the computer room children do their lessons. I have two school children and two younger ones. Each child has their own computer, headphones, we really have nothing to complain about. We are based in a Baptist church.” (F, 32 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre) Rent support for family with disabled child “I pay 250 euros for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center. There are pro- grams funded from abroad and five months we got compensation for the rent. Now, because the child is disabled, it has been extended for another three months.” (M, 41, Ukrainian, renting, North) Difficulties finding adequate, affordable housing “The apartment was on the ground floor and because of the water collecting in the basement, there was high humidity. We lived there for a while, but we realized it was impossible and started looking for another place to live. We moved nearby and paid 300 euros for a two-bedroom apartment, which was a very high price. While we were there, we looked for a third apartment to move into. Of course, it wasn’t a smooth journey, there were also people who tried to make money at our expense.” (M, 41, Ukrainian, renting, North) “We had several problems, two of which were extremely unpleasant. It’s about hous- ing. One was related to fraud and involved two Russian pensioners, the second–relat- ed to artificially increased rent (..) I can say that we faced big problems in renting an apartment at an affordable price. But here I have no objection to the state. That’s the market.” (F, 46, refugee, child with disability) “The conditions are tough because we all sleep in one room. My mother-in-law is very sick. We have no bathroom. We connected the water ourselves, because there was none, we installed a boiler and now we at least have hot water. It’s good that we have a fridge, we have a place to keep food.” (F, 32, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, North) Host interviewees receive financial and material support in various forms to cope with the spe- cific needs of the winter period and to improve conditions for displaced persons. Some also received financial support from the UN to help improve the living conditions of displaced persons. 40 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Host families receive financial and material support “For the cold period we received 700 lei each for heat. From a Christian organization I received 800 kg of pellets and every three months I receive 3900 lei from the UN. From social assistance, when there is any help, they call me and include me in the project, together with the refugee.” (M, 44, host, Centre) “They offered me pellets for them. We heat with gas, but I had to change the boiler, so the money I got I spent all to create living conditions for them. The mayor asked the citizens of the town who could take in refugees as hosts. I wrote on the Mayor’s Messenger that I agree to take in refugees. Then the calls were forwarded to the po- lice and they contacted us.” (F, 66, host, North) Despite this support, local households hosting displaced persons need more financial assis- tance. Additional financial support was the main request hosting households make to local of- ficials. Hosts also requested language courses for displaced persons, trainings for host commu- nity members on how best to support displaced persons and guidance in helping displaced persons find employment. FIGURE 14 Support local community members need to help displaced persons from Ukraine Financial support for hosting refugees 72.2% Romanian language courses for adults and children 29.5% Education/training on how to host refugees and solve problems 23.0% Guidance and support as how to help refugees for employment 22.5% Support for community activities where Moldovan and Ukrainian 17.0% children and youth can interact and play together Additional space in schools for refugee children 6.2% Other 0.0% NA/DK 8.6% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. NGO administrators of accommodation centers for displaced persons reported a variety of issues and frustrations over their efforts to procure support to maintain the daily func- tioning of their centers. These issues included cumbersome reimbursement processes, diffi- culties securing staff incomes/wages in a timely manner, lack of financing at the federal level for the accommodation centers and lack of coordination with (and financial support from) local municipalities. 41 Cumbersome processes, difficulty securing staff Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions “Even if we are an official center, we haven’t received any money since February. It’s very complicated to fight with the water and electricity suppliers because they disconnect us. We have a contract with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and here it’s very complicated. There are some public procurement procedures, which take years. It’s a disaster... First of all, their orders change every day... Plus, everything is very delayed. You have to spend money first, then they reimburse you. But from where to spend money?! Because if you have a project, it has a concrete destination. You can’t take money out of there and use it here. The system is set on reimbursement of expenses. After you pains- takingly send in your invoices, you’re told they should have gone somewhere else. You send them somewhere else, and a month later you’re told they haven’t received them. That’s why many centres have closed. Not because there are no refugees, but because the management is very complicated. Staff funding is reduced. On top of that, the reim- bursement system is problematic. I can’t operate on my own, I need the team, but the team I can’t pay because I have no clarity.” (NGO, accommodation centre, North, urban) Lack of financing for accommodation centers “The financing of centres is done by the Government, but all the calculations are done by us, also the money transfers to these centres. We have problems with the financing of the centres, but these problems are solved at the country level.” (LPA, North) “Funding has been a major difficulty, we know that we have arrears in this respect and that several centres have not received funding on time, but resources are lim- ited, the state is trying to cope as best as it can... We are trying to find solutions. We have launched a strategy within the Ministry on the reorganisation of the accommo- dation centres. We plan to consolidate several temporary accommodation centres. We have developed several programmes with partners. One of them is to provide financial support for six months when renting housing in the community.” (Ministry of Labor and Social Protection - MMPS) “We didn’t work with the town hall at all. The town hall, if it wants to help, knows that there are such centres, especially churches. If they wanted to help, they could have found us. I think it would be fairer if the initiative came from the town hall, not from the organisations. Especially as they get the grants for refugees. They could at least compensate half the amount for communal services, at least in winter.” (NGO, accommodation centre, Centre, urban) Displaced persons identify several reasons to remain in Moldova long-term. Many expressed an interest in returning to Ukraine after the war is over. Given its geographic proximity to Ukraine, Mol- dova is an appealing place for displaced persons who wish to visit family and/or return home when the war is over. Meanwhile, the language environment makes Moldova a more appealing place to live, relative to western Europe. Some displaced persons even had friends or family already living in Moldova. Displaced persons also experienced Moldova to be more welcoming than other countries (e.g., Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia), providing more support (accommodation, food, aid, and access to 42 medical, educational and social services) and offering a comfortable environment. Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Return to Ukraine when the war is over “I would go back on the same terms, no more shooting, end the war after all. But the important thing is that Ukraine wins. Let things go back to the way they used to be.” (M, 55, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) “I would very much like the war to end. There’s no point coming back now. Every day the sirens announce danger of attack, of bombing. Our town lies between Odessa and Nicolaev. All the missiles pass over the city, it’s heartbreaking, especially when you hear the explosions. I wouldn’t want to traumatize the children.” (F, 47 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) Proximity to Ukraine (geography, language, social networks) “Compared to what it was like at home, when you went to bed with your clothes on, with your shoes on, to make it to the basement, here we’re completely safe, we’re recovering once we’ve been given the chance to live. We don’t want to go to Europe because of the language barrier, plus, if the war ends, we’re close to home and we can go back.” (F, 44 years old, Ukrainian, renting, North) “My sister is married to a Moldovan in Moldova, we have relatives, that’s why I came here. We stayed for three weeks, then we found a church that sheltered refugees. I came here to Balti and my brother left for Germany. I was scared. I was with my child; I didn’t know the language. Here it seemed easier, including for the child, I didn’t want to traumatize him.” (F, 41 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) “Here we went first to relatives in Transnistria. We were confused, didn’t know what to do and our granddaughter was with us. In Transnistria we stayed until April, when the unrest started there too, local explosions. Since I had friends in Cahul, I came here.” (F, 45 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) Moldova welcoming to displaced persons “When the bombing started, there was an option to go to Bulgaria, but they politely turned us down, telling us there were no places and they could only help us go in a month. Then we gathered our things and just left. There was a petrol station on the way, and there was a tent with the sign „Ukraine, we are with you”. We approached, and the young man there offered us water, sweets, biscuits. We asked where we could find a centre nearby. He checked his phone and told us we could find it 22 km away. That’s how we ended up here, and we don’t plan to go anywhere else, because we want to return home as soon as possible.” (M, 72 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) 43 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Moldova’s appealing services “I was in Bulgaria for two weeks. We went to see what the conditions were there. We were offered hotel rooms and help, but in Moldova they offer more. First of all, here more people know Russian. There are Russian speakers in Bulgaria too, but most of them are over 50, the younger ones don’t know Russian. They only offer an allowance, but I don’t even know how much. Here they also offer food, humanitarian aid and vouchers. Even from a moral point of view, it’s more comfortable here, because people here have a lot in common with our people.” (F, 33 years old, Ukrainian, renting, North) Health care and medical services Displaced persons from Ukraine in Moldova have access to free basic medical care from the government of Moldova and international organizations. Moldova’s state of emergency and tem- porary protection provides free primary public health services to displaced persons, and interna- tional organizations augment these services by paying for private medical support and medicine. Surveys with displaced persons and local officials suggest that displaced persons are gen- erally able to access the medical care they need. According to two distinct studies, an esti- mated 90% of individual displaced persons did not experience issues when seeking healthcare services in Moldova,49 while 9% experienced difficulties (disproportionately among those re- quiring care for chronic illness, mental health and psychosocial conditions).50 This is consistent with the same MSNA survey that was conducted in 2022 which found that 90% displaced per- sons who needed medical care were able to access it. Most LPAs (79%) reported that displaced persons had access to free healthcare. However, 9% of displaced persons whose families needed health care faced barriers hinder- ing access to the services they needed. Such barriers included: fear of discrimination from medical professionals, concern about language barriers between themselves and the medical service providers, lack of knowledge about coverage provided under the TP status, lack of avail- able specialty doctors (e.g., for chronic diseases), inability to access prescription medications, lack of coverage for dental services and difficulty seeking specialized care (e.g., for autism). Alongside these barriers are reports of increased substance abuse and domestic violence. Despite support from Moldova and international organizations, some families were denied access to the services they sought (34% for prevention, 26% for chronic illness, 25% for acute illness, 34% for prevention, 11% for dental treatment, and 9% for mental health issues).51 Some faced barriers because they did not have temporary protection status, doctors were reluctant to receive displaced persons because they needed specialized care that was unavailable or too expensive in Moldova (relative to Ukraine), and/or because specialized pediatric care (e.g., speech therapy, etc.) was difficult to access. 44 FIGURE 15 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Proportion of all family members not accessing healthcare, by healthcare services attempted to reach 25% Acute illness 35% 34% Preventive consultation 34% 26% Chronic illness 13% 11% Dental treatment 18% 9% MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) 5% Source: UNHCR Data Portal. Free access to health care “We even had a case when we had to hospitalize the patient. We called the next day and asked if we had to pay, as he had no status, no money, no policy and in such cases I know you have to pay. I was told, ‘No, because that man came from the war and pays absolutely nothing.’ ” (NGO, accommodation centre, North, rural) “I got a call last week from a representative of an organisation…who asked me if I needed to do some tests or consult some specialists. I told them I needed thyroid tests, ultrasound, gynaecologist’s consultation and was offered free referrals to Belmed pri- vate clinic.” (F, 36 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) “One organisation offered us free, basic medicines. The antibiotics, sprays I bought myself. Iodine, hydrogen peroxide, some of these cheaper medicines, they offered us, I can’t deny it. I went to the family doctor and, when he saw in the papers that I was a refugee, he offered me a box with different medicines.” (F, 32, refugee with disabili- ty, child with disability) “As for insulin, it was first given to me through my family doctor, then it was provided by an organization. Now I have the most necessary medication, I have insulin for a few months, which was given to me for free, including syringes.” (M, 54, refugee with disability) 45 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Needed services are in Ukraine (not Moldova) “We had problems with the medical system. The older child had vision problems since he was little. He had surgery, and once a year he has certain procedures, treat- ment. Now we have to go to Odessa for treatment, because in Balti these procedures are not performed and in Chisinau they are very expensive. Also, my mother got sick, she had an ulcer and was treated here, but we had to order some medicines from Ukraine, because some of them are not available in Moldova, and otherwise they are very expensive.” (F, 36, Roma refugee) “From a medical point of view it is difficult for us, as the child suffers from some rare diseases, which doctors here have not even dealt with. The surgeon, who is over 60 years old, when we approached him, searched the internet for the disease the child suffers from, because he didn’t know about this syndrome. We decided to go to Odessa to see our doctor.” (F, 45, refugee, child with disability) Available services inadequate “As the child is diagnosed with autism, we needed the consultation of the diagnosti- cian, the speech therapist, basic specialists. There are a lot of psychologists, but it’s very difficult to find a good diagnostician or speech therapist. I still haven’t found a speech therapist for my child. What I was offered—half an hour a week working with the speech therapist—would have no effect.” (F, 32, refugee with disability, child with disability) Government unable to pay for comprehensive care “I would request that pregnant women have more rights. Because they, likewise, only benefit at the level of the family doctor and in the event of birth. If they need some- thing more, they have to pay. There are many NGOs and international organizations that help people with chronic diseases. Looking at compensated medicines, if any of the external donors would like to pay for them, no problem. The government has no resources.” (National Health Insurance Company) Perception that displaced persons exploit health care system “Refugees who needed prosthetic joints reached out. Sorry, but our population also stands in rows. These operations are very expensive. We had someone who came in specifically to have an operation on their nose. Some people want to take advantage of these especially expensive medical services. I don’t know if other states offer them more.” (National Health Insurance Company) Many displaced persons who participated in focus groups experienced trauma in the con- text of the war. Parents expressed their worries about trauma experienced by their children. Some explained that it was one of the reasons why they had made the decision not to enroll them in local schools. Local authorities and civil society organizations are actively involved in providing ongoing psychological assistance, including connecting all ages with the psycholo- gists and/or counselling activities. 46 War-related trauma and vulnerabilities create unmet needs for social and/or psychological Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions support. The displaced population needs mental health support to address their war-related trauma. Some men in particular prefer male psychologists. Furthermore, reports suggest in- creased substance abuse and perpetrating domestic violence among male displaced popula- tion. Meanwhile, parents mentioned that their children needed psychosocial support to help them address their trauma. Trauma (children) “We have the sea nearby and all the missiles are flying over us. The children have taken this trauma very hard. When the war was still going on, we came to Moldova and psychol- ogists worked with them a lot and they still haven’t fully recovered. As soon as they hear a noise, it seems to them that the war has started.” (F, 74, Ukrainian, renting, North) Care provided (general displaced population) “For a year there was not a single instance of anyone offending them. They attend a church and there they work with the psychologist. They are very satisfied with the services provided by the psychologist. They also have different fun games. They come from there in good mood.” (F, 46, host, South) “Colleagues from the Psycho-socio-pedagogical Centre took care of psychological assistance, establishing constant communication with the refugees, who were in a state of anxiety, disorientation, fear. The psychologists were constantly present and communicated, advised, helped children, parents and elderly people. The Direc- torate-General for Child Protection constantly offered support, 24/24, and a new position was even created in this institution, the social pedagogue, and shifts were organised in the accommodation centres.” (LPA, Centre) Access to education A significant percentage of school-aged children appear not to be enrolled in the education system, whether in Moldova or Ukraine. According to the 2023 MSNA, 73% of school-aged children were reported as enrolled in formal education. The actual number may, however, be higher. 52 Enrollment was highest among the 11-15 age group (89%), followed by 7-10 (81%), 16-18 (80%), 19-24 (55%) and 3-6 (50%). There is no comparable data for the 2022 period as enrollment data was only collected regarding the Moldovan school system.53 While numbers have grown considerably, high numbers of displaced children are still not en- rolled in Moldovan schools. In Summer 2022, only 16% of pre-school and school-aged children were enrolled in the educational and/or child-care system in Moldova (with enrollment rates lower among girls).54 Six months into the conflict, an estimated two-thirds of households with school-age children said they were unable to connect with the educational system in Moldova, and 58% of families were not able to access childcare services for small children.55 In 2023, among children en- rolled in the formal education system, 45% were enrolled in Moldovan schools,56 54% were enrolled 47 in distance learning in Ukraine and 3% of students registered for in-person learning in Ukraine. There appears to be a disconnect between the number of displaced children in Moldova Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions (44% of the total displaced population57 or even higher according to LPAs’ own estimates)58 and the number of school-aged children enrolled in school. In the LPA survey, 55% of local officials reported having no displaced school-aged children at all in their communities, 19% reported having no displaced children enrolled in school, and 6% reported that only a small portion of displaced children in their communities were enrolled in school. This contrasts with the 45% school-aged children assessed to be enrolled in Moldovan schools in the 2023 MSNA.59 This disconnect is likely due to the limited interactions LPAs have with schools and the data collected on enrollment, as well as to children’s lack of visibility in the community. Students prefer online platforms (to attending school in person in Moldova) because they are familiar with the language and teachers and can attend school at home. However, most students enrolled in online schooling reported that they did not like the platform and encoun- tered significant difficulties (inlcuding unreliable internet, difficulty following along and bar- riers to participation). Facilities providing “smart class” spaces and equipment for students reported low attendance rates. Meanwhile, secondary-aged school children demonstrated greater interest in attending in-person school to socialize.60 FIGURE 16 Level of enrollment of children in education All 12.9% A big part 6.2% About half 1.4% A small part 6.0% No one 18.7% Do not have children of school age in the town 54.7% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. FIGURE 17 Accessing education and childcare services in the host country Households with school aged children (5-17) reported at least one child not registered for education in host country 68% 36% Respondents with infants (0-4) are not able to access childcare services in host country 58% 42% Source: Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2022 A variety of service providers have worked together to support the education of displaced Ukrainian children. These include: Moldovan policymakers (including the Ministry of Education), international organizations (e.g., The World Bank and UNICEF), local officials and host communi- ties. These entities provide school-aged children with school supplies, laptops to enable online ed- 48 ucation, educational platforms in Russian, language learning support and enrollment assistance. Students attending school in Moldova generally like school but experience some forms of Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions discrimination. Students reported enjoying their teachers and classmates but struggle to learn in Romanian. However, some students reported feeling discriminated at school, partially due to political discussions among their classmates. There were also reports about teachers lacking the capacity to handle challenges related to hate speech, aggression and language diversity in their classrooms. Relative to students in Moldovan schools, students attending online school have lower so- cialization and integration. Only about half of online students reported socializing with friends in Moldova. Online education produces barriers to integration. These barriers are compounded by language barriers and war-related insults that students reported encountering.61 Although most caregivers did not report facing significant challenges, school enrollment processes could be improved and streamlined to enable greater access. Caregivers who did not enroll their children in school reported experiencing a complicated enrollment pro- cess, significant paperwork, uncertainty about their eligibility (if not enrolled with the TPD) and an inability to access inclusive education for children with disabilities. In an effort to ease enrollment, in September 2023, the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) clarified that a Ukrainian child’s legal status does not hinder access to education in Moldova. Temporary pro- tection status is thus not required. Parents can submit an enrollment application to their local school with minimal documentation. Several challenges continue to impede displaced students’ access to education. Displaced persons reported that kindergartens were overcrowded and/or unable to accept new students. Children did not speak Romanian. Families were unfamiliar with the Romanian education sys- tem. Families also reported children experiencing discrimination and/or negative attention from Moldovan peers. Satisfaction in accessing education “We were accommodated in a centre. I got a lot of help from our director (from the accommodation centre), both with clothes and food, porridge for the child... I have two children. The boy I enrolled in school, the girl is younger. People have a very kind attitude here in Cahul. I have even come to understand Romanian.” (F, 38 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) In-person v. online choices “The younger child, 2.5 years old, has been attending kindergarten for about half a year. The older ones don’t attend school, they study online. We haven’t had any difficulties of this kind. Not only mine goes to kindergarten. There are other children at the centre who attend. They accepted us, nobody told us there were no places.” (M, 40 years old, Ukrainian, living in the accommodation centre, Centre) 49 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Discrimination in schools “My daughter goes to school here. At first, she went to the Russian-language school, but the children offended her by referring to the subject (she means the war). Then we transferred her to another school, Ukrainian, and everything is fine here. It’s true, it’s a bit far, 4 km, we have to take her to and from every day, but now she’s fine.” (F, 40, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, North) Language barriers “They were very scared at the beginning because they thought we would oppose enrolling them, considering that the language of instruction in Ukraine is Ukrainian and not Russian as it used to be. There were many Ukrainian children who simply did not know the language. About 20% of those who went to schools in Moldova attend- ed classes taught in Romanian. So that was the biggest challenge–the language. After that, clearly, the adaptation environment, because, you can imagine, they had a 12-point grading system. In fine arts, chemistry, physics, the integration was ok, in others it was harder... The World Bank, UNICEF, maybe other NGOs that offered to help us with the inclusion of children with special educational needs, providing school supplies, backpacks we had, providing laptops for the children, so they could connect to online platforms.” (Ministry of Education and Research) Over capacity “The most demanding part, which comes from both the refugees and the host community, is the early education institutions, opening more spaces, more groups, so that these parents can go to work and be sure that their children are taken care of, are in a safe place. The capacity of these institutions would be a challenge the municipality faces. If there was financial support for the capacity building of these institutions, it would be very good, because the demand is quite high.” (LPA, Centre) 50 Rural/urban variation in access to assistance and services (among displaced persons from Ukraine) Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced persons and their hosts observed that services and resources were limited, un- predictable, and potentially unevenly distributed among the displaced population.62 Some reported that those in refugee centers and/or urban settings had better access to services, relative to those living elsewhere (e.g., those living with friends, relatives, hosts or as renters) or those living in rural areas. One interviewee moved from living with relatives to an urban accom- modation center and then to an urban apartment in order to access services.63 A host said that resources were first distributed to accommodation centers and could run out before reaching those living elsewhere: “There is a hotel that hosts refugees and most of them there benefit from all the aid that is offered. It seems to me that those in the centers are privileged. The refugees in the centers are the first to know about the vouchers, the aid, and then they notify the others, especially on the last day and late, so they can’t register. If there happen to be more boxes of aid, the others get it too” (F, 36, host, North). Outside of formal schooling, children require extracurricular activities that engage them intellectually, socially, and physically; however, there is variation in how much displaced communities have access to such valuable opportunities. Several focus-group respondents said their children were able to participate in various activities within their host communities, including dance, painting, acting and sports. Others, however (particularly those living in rural areas) had limited extracurricular options for their children. Extracurricular activities available (accommodation center) “We are in the centre of town, we have a children’s library nearby, where activities are frequently held to which we are invited. Our children can attend any activity in the house of culture–dance, painting, acting, sports.” (F, 45 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) Limited opportunities “Children here don’t have much to do. The boys played handball in Ukraine, but there is no team here for their age. Went to boxing, went somewhere else, but lost interest. I’d like them to continue doing sports, but they don’t have much opportunity, unfor- tunately.” (F, 74, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, North) 51 Unequal access to services (between Moldovans and Ukrainians) Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Evidence of tensions between Moldovans and Ukrainians suggests that some Moldovans feel resentful that Ukrainians receive more financial support and assistance than they do. One-third of LPAs say their local constituents wanted to benefit from the same financial sup- port that displaced persons received, and almost one-fourth said their local constituents felt that authorities paid attention to displaced persons at the expense of meeting the needs of the local communities (22.3%).64 Some Moldovans perceived that displaced persons unfairly re- ceived more benefits, relative to the limited resources available to disadvantaged local people. Displaced persons experience Moldovans’ sense of unfairness “There were situations when we were unfairly blamed for things. People were com- plaining that their parents were receiving pensions of 1300 lei, while they were giving us allowances, feeding us, giving us all the conditions and satisfying all our pleasures. Most of the aid comes from abroad. Of course, Moldova and the people here help us and we thank them, but it’s not exactly pleasant when you get blamed for the piece of bread they give you.” (F, 45, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, South) “I happened to call the ambulance and we were taken to hospital. Well, while we were there we heard some pretty unpleasant talk, like that we had come here on everything ready-made, that the Moldovans get pennies and they feed us. It was very unpleasant; in Ukraine I would never hear something like that.” (F, 74, Ukrainian, renting, North) “I was taking my youngest daughter to kindergarten and I heard comments like: ‘We’ve had enough of these refugees.’ It was about how one lady’s elderly parents hadn’t received any aid and it bothered her that everything was only offered to refu- gees.” (F, 36, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre) Policymakers pointed out that this sense of unfairness can undermine displaced persons’ ability to integrate within their current communities: “If any kind of support is offered to displaced people, it should also be offered to host communities. We are talking about the presence of foreigners on our territory and, as an institution, we have to see the situation from the perspective of preventing some aspects of discrimination, social inclusion, because the field of integration of foreign- ers also falls within the competence of the GIM” (General Inspectorate for Migration). 52 Accessing livelihoods and employment Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced people should have unhindered access to employment or economic activities, free from legal or administrative barriers, similar to the resident population. The terms and conditions of employment, including adherence to labor law standards, minimum wages, and informality rates, should likewise parallel those available to the resident population. Levels of and poverty should also be comparable. Displaced persons are vulnerable to experiencing cycles of vulnerability, which include la- bor exploitation. A number of factors render displaced persons particularly vulnerable, includ- ing their uncertain financial circumstances, the lack of information about local labor practices, language barriers impeding their ability to read local labor contracts, as well as pre-existing conditions (e.g., unemployment, informal work, and gender pay gaps). 65 Reports indicate that an inability to cover some basic needs, as experienced by 68% of the displaced persons during the first year of the war, further heightens the risk of exploitation. Some groups – including women and girls – are more likely to engage in informal and exploit- ative forms of work, including domestic services, sex work, pornography and/or trafficking.66 As displaced persons transition to protracted settlement in Moldova, financial self-reliance, and the ability to earn livelihoods, become of increasing importance. More than one-third of LPAs officials (36%) agreed that (one of the) best ways that displaced persons could integrate themselves into their host communities is by engaging in paid work. The temporary protection status, established by the Moldovan government, entitles ben- eficiaries to obtain employment in Moldova, without further formalities. Among displaced persons, 80% report not having to have their graduation diplomas certified to access the Mol- dova labor market.67 Displaced persons are increasingly obtaining employment in Moldova. However, many contin- ue to face barriers that prevent them from finding work, especially work matching their skills. Although most displaced persons have access to basic items, such as food68, water and housing, they remain financially vulnerable. In 2023, a quarter of all surveyed persons report- ed relying on cash assistance, which remains a significant source of income. Those living in ac- commodation centers appear to be among the most vulnerable. They often lack the finances or income, to pay rent or otherwise support themselves on their own.69 Income vulnerability Displaced persons increasingly rely on employment in Moldova as a main source of income. In 2023, employment in Moldova ranked as the a main source of income for 37% of displaced persons. This marks a significant change from 2022, when only 11% cited employment as their main source 53 of income (7% relied on salaried work, 3% on income from their own business and 1% on informal Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions work).70 However, the ability to earn a living through employment varies. Displaced persons in the North are the most likely to identify employment as their main source of income (42%).71 Fewer displaced persons rely on their savings. In 2022, savings or pensions was the primary source of income for displaced persons (65%). In 2023, the majority of displaced persons report- ed ‘other sources’, as their primary source of income; savings corresponded to only 2% of this figure. Pension from Ukraine ranked as the third main source of income (23%). Almost all displaced persons continue to receive humanitarian aid. In the 2023 MSNA, almost all surveyed persons (97%) reported having received humanitarian aid for non-food items (78%), food (62%) and cash or vouchers (25% conditional; 77% unconditional). The figure has remained largely unchanged from 2022, when 93% reported receiving humanitarian aid.72 Displaced persons depend on social assistance programs, especially cash assistance. In 2022, humanitarian assistance was the second main source of income for displaced persons (62%), In 2023, reliance on social assistance remains significant. Among surveyed displaced persons, 79% cited ‘other sources’ as their main sources of income, which primarily consisted of cash as- sistance from humanitarian organizations (88%).73 Furthermore, assistance from the Moldovan government ranked as the fourth main source of income both in 2023 (9%) and in 2022 (11%).74 Dependence on social assistance varies according to place of residence. According to the 2023 MSNA, displaced persons in urban areas are more likely to rely on social assistance (90%), compared to displaced persons in rural areas (71%). Similarly, reliance on social protection from the Moldovan government was higher in the Central region (14%) and in the South (11%). One focus-group participant expressed anxiety associated with reliance on assistance programs: “While the child was younger and I was able to work, I managed to make some savings, with which I can get by. It’s a pity we haven’t received the March allowance yet and when you get to zero, you wonder how to proceed further, that’s scary” (F, 40 years old, Ukrainian woman living in accommodation centre, Centre). Affordability of goods and services Displaced persons report spending most of their income on living essentials. In 2023, the most often cited expense was food (42%), followed by health-related expenditures (11%), bills (9%) and hygiene items (4%). Only 9% mentioned paying for other expenses, including trans- port and entertainment. Compared to 2022, there are important changes in the share and types of expenditures, especially in relation to transportation. In 2022, food (63%) , communica- tion (56%) and transportation (49%) were the main categories of family expenses.75 Displaced persons face a gap between their income and the costs of goods and services. In 2023, only 7% of displaced persons were able to afford more goods and items, compared to the same period in 2022.76 For most displaced persons (61%), the affordability of goods and services remained unchanged and 29% could afford less. Those with a negative change cited the gen- eral increase in prices (79%), unexpected or emergency expenses (24%) and reduced income 54 due to job loss or lower wages (24%) as the main reasons.77 Focus group participants also reported facing financial difficulties. Many had lost their jobs Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions and sources of income. At the same time, prices for goods and services were higher than those they recalled paying in Ukraine. Being able to afford basic items is particularly challenging for families with elderly mem- bers, persons with disabilities, or small children: “I have some health issues, as I have a second-degree disability. I called the ambu- lance because my blood pressure was over 250, they helped me without any problem, they prescribed me medication, which I bought. They are very expensive, we don’t have much money, but we will manage, what can we do” (F, 74, Ukrainian, renting, North). Barriers to employment and business development Displaced persons are increasingly accessing employment in Moldova. In 2023, 40% of displaced individuals of working age (16-64 years old) were part of the labor force. Of those, almost all (93%) reported being employed or self-employed. There were no differences based on gender. However, those in rural areas were more likely to be unemployed (17%) compared to those in urban areas (7%).78 However, a significant percentage of displaced people appear to be outside the labor force.79 Displaced persons not working are mainly engaged in childcare and other family responsibili- ties (50%). The rest are retired (29%) or students (11%). LPAs reported even lower unemployment rates among displaced populations. More than 90% of LPAs reported that the majority of displaced populations in their communities were not engaged in paid work: 67% LPAs reported that none of the displaced adults in their community were engaged in paid work, and 23.7% reported that only a small portion of displaced Ukraini- ans were engaged in paid work. Two percent of local officials reported that all adult displaced Ukrainians living in their communities were engaged in paid work. Displaced persons face barriers to employment, which can vary according to their place of residence. In 2023, among displaced persons who were part of the labor force, 68% did not en- counter any difficulties finding a job. Those reporting difficulties cited language barriers (17%), lack of decent employment opportunities (7%) and lack of suitable opportunities according to their skills (4%). However, the rates varied significantly per region. For instance, in Chisinau, as many as 74% reported not having any difficulty obtaining employment. By contrast, in the Cen- tre, a much lower percentage (47%) reported not having any difficulties. Among the respon- dents, as many as 38% considered the lack of language knowledge and 17% the lack of decent employment opportunities as barriers to employment. The LPAs survey revealed a different understanding of the employment barriers displaced persons face. Nearly half of interviewed LPAs (44%) reported that displaced persons were un- able to work because of age and health-related issues. Additional perceived barriers included childcare responsibilities (a barrier reported by 30% of officials), lack of available jobs (27%) and undesirable salaries (24%). Some reported that displaced persons did not need to work be- cause they received financial support (23.5%) and/or had their needs covered from refugee accommodation centers (10%). 55 FIGURE 18 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Reasons for unemployment They are unable to work because of age or health 44.4% They can't work, they have to take care of the children 29.7% There are no jobs in the locality / district 26.6% They do not like the salary proposed by the employers 23.7% They do not need to work because they receive financial support 23.5% They do not need to work, they have 14.4% sufficient financial resources of their own They do not work because they are provided with 9.6% everything they need in the accommodation centers Other 4.3% NA/DK 7.0% Source: LPA Survey, 2023. Displaced persons express several concerns about seeking employment, including a per- ception that no available jobs exist80 and/or that they would lose certain assistance benefits if they were to find employment. Others highlighted their experiences that family employ- ment did not affect their benefits as displaced persons: “My husband has been working since the first days we arrived, there have been no problems. My husband is officially employed by contract and has been working for a year now. We get the allowance like everyone else, we have a place to live. The lawyer told us from the start that official employment will not affect our refugee benefits” (F, 36 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre). Other reported barriers included not speaking Romanian, a lack of relevant experience (partic- ularly among young people), needing to care for children and other family members, distance from work (especially for those living in rural areas) and discrimination based on age, displace- ment status and/or uncertainties about expected employment duration). Language “It is very difficult to find a job following the adverts, because everywhere they ask for knowledge of Romanian. I don’t know it. To learn it in a year is unreal, it would take me 4-5 years to communicate.” (M, 38 years old, Ukrainian in accommodation centre, North) “I tried to find a job on various websites, but everywhere they ask for knowledge of Romanian. This year I’m finishing my nursing studies. At the moment I’m doing my internship and absolutely everything is in Romanian. I don’t understand anything. I won’t be able to work after my profession because I don’t understand the language. It also requires work experience, and I have no way of getting experience since no one will hire me.” (F, 20 years old, Roma refugee) 56 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Need to provide family care “My husband is disabled, from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm he is always on his feet and it is very difficult for him. Immediately his back starts hurting from the trauma. Today he returned an hour earlier because his feet started to burn and he was almost fainting. He simply can’t take it and is thinking of quitting, but he has no other job offers at the moment.” (F, 57 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre) “I can’t work because my wife needs care. Five years ago, she had an accident and broke her arm. She had an operation but it was unsuccessful, she had another one but again there was a problem. Now her right hand is non-functional. She needs care and because of that I can’t get a job. Especially as we have four children who also need care.” (M, 55 years old, Ukrainian in accommodation centre, South) “I worked at a gas station for three months. There were some language difficulties, espe- cially with the Romanians from the South. They didn’t understand Russian or Ukrainian, but there was one person who helped me with translation. I left the job because I had no one to leave the child with and school had started, but I would have worked even now. For the three months he stayed with his grandmother, then he started first grade and she found it hard to stay with him.” (F, 45, refugee, child with disability) “Personally, I’m not looking for work, I would need it, I just can’t lock the child in the dorm all day, he won’t even come down for lunch. Besides, when he gets sick, which happens quite often here, I have no one to leave him with, as I have no grandparents or other relatives here. That’s why we live frugally and manage with what we have.” (F, 41 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) 57 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Other Employment Barriers “Employers are generally reluctant to hire for a fixed, short period of time. As it was with the period of the state of emergency, and it was extended after 60 days for another 30 and so on. That was an uncertainty, because they never knew how long they would be able to work, but it happens that you have to invest in the training of the person you hire. When it’s an unskilled person it’s not that difficult, but if you’re talking about the skilled ones, it already makes the employer think twice.” (National Employment Agency) “On the hot line we were offered work in Chisinau, but it seems unreal to me to commute for an hour and a half every day in one direction only, and then work for a whole day. I find it quite advantageous for those who live in the centres or at renting accommodation in Chisinau, but for the others it’s very tiring, even if, as far as I un- derstand, transport costs are reimbursed through the Bureau of Labour Force.” (F, 57 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre) “I think it’s still problematic to employ refugees. In our village they have nowhere to work. They can get a few clients, girls from the village, who would come for mani- cures, but that doesn’t mean they work. We want them to be officially employed.” (NGO, accommodation centre, North, rural) “Actually, in the villages, apart from rural households and a few shops, there is no- where to work. Most of the jobs are in town, in the district. I wouldn’t say that the lady who lived at my place had any problems, she got a job quickly, then she didn’t like something and got a job elsewhere.” (M, 66, host, South) Displaced persons seeking to start new businesses or continue the business activities they were undertaking in Ukraine faced additional challenges, including lack of guidance about starting a business and accessing financing in Moldova. Development partners have provided support to current and would-be entrepreneurs, including through the Digital Data Corridors ini- tiative (from the International Finance Corporation), which seeks to link Ukrainian and Moldovan financial institutions to increase displaced persons’ access to credit cards and loans.81 Many displaced persons did not feel the need to seek employment to improve their liveli- hoods. An older Ukrainian woman who reported living a modest existence mentioned: “I haven’t thought about working yet. I’m staying in a hotel, we’re getting three meals a day, we get an allowance, and an older woman doesn’t need that much” (F, 64, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North). 58 Employment terms and conditions Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced persons have achieved high levels of education, and many worked in high-skill jobs in Ukraine. An International Organization for Migration (IOM) study found that 18% of surveyed displaced persons held a bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. degree.82 In 2022, when asked about their employment prior to displacement, 15% reported having worked in the government or public sec- tor, 18% in education and 13% in commerce. Many displaced persons work in informal employment and do not have written labor con- tracts registered with the National Employment offices.83 In 2023, 33% of employed displaced persons were working informally. The rates fluctuated based on place of residence. In urban areas, 69% were formally employed, while in rural areas, only 31% were employed in the formal labor market. In the South, 49% had a formal written contract, while in Chisinau, as many as 74% were formally employed. A significant number of displaced persons are not able to secure jobs aligned to those they held in Ukraine. In 2023, only 35% reported having been employed both in Ukraine and lat- er in Moldova. Their main working sectors remained mostly aligned: beauty services (pre-dis- placement 11%, post-displacement 12%), sales (pre-displacement 11%, post-displacement 12%), finance (pre-displacement 11%, post displacement 7%), transport (pre-displacement 7%, post displacement 8%). However, 32% who had been employed in Ukraine reported that they were not working after their displacement in Moldova. Many focus group participants faced difficulty finding jobs that offered adequate wages and/ or matched their skills. Some mentioned that wages in Moldova’s labor market were lower than those in Ukraine84, and they did not wish to accept lower wages. Others said they believed they should work for the same wages as Moldovans received (and not demand wages they received in Ukraine).85 Another related concern displaced persons raised was that the income/salaries they received in Moldova did not sufficiently cover their families’ financial needs. Low wages “I think it should begin with wage increases. There are vacancies, but the pay is too low and people don’t like it, they think they deserve a higher salary. In Ukraine they had higher salaries and now it’s hard for them to get used to what they get here. But in Moldova the salaries are lower because the country is different, it’s smaller, the prices are different.” (M, 52, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, Centre) “Even if you work, with the wages that are offered here it’s impossible to live. With 150 lei for half a day, I can’t get by with three children. Even if you don’t pay the rent, you have to pay 3,000 lei just for utilities in winter. That’s the whole salary, but on what to buy food, clothes?” (F, 74, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, North) 59 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Limited jobs that match displaced persons’ experiences or skills “In Balti there is a need for seamstresses, porters, locksmiths. For me, I haven’t found a suitable job by profession. I am a painter. In Odessa I had a painting circle and worked with children, but here there are no such vacancies.” (F, 34 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, North) Need flexible / telework jobs for childcare “It would be great if specific options were proposed for teleworking. Graphic design courses seem to me to be very successful and could develop skills on several levels, so that the person can get a complete package of knowledge to be able to work remotely both in the country and abroad, because the money would be spent in the country anyway and it would be to the advantage of the country. Such options would help mothers who are unable to leave their children, as I am, to get a job, including when returning to Ukraine, if for some reason they would not be able to work there.” (F, 46, refugee, child with disability) “I live in the village and if I am offered a job, I don’t refuse it, whether it’s digging or picking raspberries, I turn the grains over at the warehouse and I get paid for it. With fixed hours I can’t work because the children learn online and I have to keep an eye on them, but with flexible hours I can work.” (M, 52, Ukrainian, lives with relatives, Centre Government initiatives to generate employment Government employment agencies, I/NGOs and civil society groups are collaborating to provide retraining courses that feed into employment opportunities. These include infor- mational campaigns to notify displaced persons about job opportunities (e.g. consultations in placement centers, online campaigns and support systems) and donor-funded vocational training courses designed to equip displaced persons to work in the service sector.86 Those who complete these trainings and acquire jobs become success stories87 which ANOFMA can use to encourage other displaced persons (including those with disabilities) to pursue employment opportunities. Others have expressed interest in establishing a small businesses in Moldova. 60 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Job-related information campaigns “We focused mostly on information, because displaced people do not have the status of unemployed and never had, but they are job seekers. Those who wanted a job ap- plied to the territorial subdivisions for employment.” (National Employment Agency) “Once we had representatives from the Employment Agency, they told us about the possibilities, presented us with some offers, gave us leaflets. Some people got employed individually, others opened their own business. Others work online. That’s how I work, for a company in Ukraine. At the centre one person works at the sanatorium, another works as a masseuse, someone has taken a job at a café. Most of them are employed in the service sector.” (F, 32 years old, Ukrainian living in accommodation centre, Centre) “ANOFM was very much involved and together we found several options for people to be counselled and offered free courses to obtain a profession. Employers on the market offered all the vacancies.” (General Inspectorate for Migration) Training courses leading to service-sector jobs “Miracol offers these courses, sponsors pay for them. I got the certificate, now I’m employed. Excellent. I advise others to take them. If you want to work, you’ll find a job. Maybe a bit more difficult, but not impossible” (M, 38 years old, Ukrainian in accom- modation centre, North). “In Balti I graduated from the courses provided by Miracol, funded by the Centre on Viteazul str. They really help us a lot and we thank them for that. After we received the papers, we were offered a room at the same centre which we set up with their help and we are welcoming people, applying what we have learned. We have mas- tered the profession of cosmetologist in eyebrow grooming and we offer our services to Ukrainians, Moldovans. We buy the materials with our own money, but the room was given to us for free.” (F, 39, refugee, disabled children) Service jobs through networks “The last time I was there, I worked officially, in the centre of Chisinau, in a supermar- ket, for three months. I found work through acquaintances, people who came to the centre before me. A young man from the centre has been working there for a year already. I heard they needed workers, I applied and they immediately hired me.” (M, 40 years old, Ukrainian, staying at the accommodation centre, Centre) 61 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Small-business goals “I am now planning to go to Chisinau for a training on business development. I hope I succeed, because I would like to settle here, as Moldova is my second home. Ac- tually, it’s very hard for me to choose between Moldova and Ukraine. The tariffs are high, the prices are astronomical and it’s very hard to make ends meet if you don’t have an income, a business. It’s hard to make a living here on wages alone and I can see it in the example of families around here. Husbands work abroad, wives stay at home and look after the children. But I don’t have a husband, I’ve been bringing up the child alone for a long time, I don’t see the point in going back to Ukraine.” (F, 32, refugee with disability) “We know cases when Ukrainians have opened businesses here and they are quite pop- ular, good, qualitative. Others want to open their own businesses, whether it’s a clothes shop, beauty salon or pet salon. They have to pay rent, and food, and clothes, but I can say that Republic of Moldova has been the best friend in this respect, opening doors, and homes, and souls, people have been mobilized to the fullest.” (LPA, Centre) 62 Access to personal and other documentation without discrimination Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced persons should be provided with personal and other documentation necessary to access public services, and pursue other purposes linked to durable solutions. This includes documents necessary for the enjoyment and exercise of their legal rights, such as passports, personal identification documents, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. In the case of displacement outside of one’s home country, this also entails the acquisition of documentation which specifies the individual’s status in the country such as the temporary protection regime, refugee status and others. In addition to the acquisition of documents, displaced persons also need to be well informed of their rights and responsibilities in their host countries. Access to documentation is essential to finding durable solutions, but displaced persons also need to be knowledgeable about their legal rights and protections and have access to legal counsel to redress issues. Some LPAs expressed the view that displaced persons are adept at advocating for themselves and their rights claims.88 However, it is likely that this is not true on a wide scale. Displaced persons living in accommodation centers have access to a va- riety of legal resources. However, those living in other places may have far less access to these resources. Legal advice in accommodation centers “At the library in Falesti permanent activities are held, attended by lawyers, psycholo- gists. Today, for example, there was an activity dedicated to the family holiday, in which both Moldovans and Ukrainians participated. We are not bored at all, everything is very well organised.” (F, 44, Ukrainian, renting, North) “Psychologists and lawyers regularly come to the centre and present this information to us. Honestly speaking, I haven’t even memorized what are the benefits I can use, because here we are provided with everything. The centre is very good, and the organisation is top- notch... Regarding the establishment of temporary protection, a mobile team comes to the centre and prepares the documents for people who cannot travel to Chisinau.” (M, 69 years old, Ukrainian, living in accommodation centre, Centre) Lack of support outside of accommodation centers “No one has presented me with any information in this regard, but I know my rights. I have submitted the documents and soon I should receive my temporary residence visa. About all the facilities I am entitled to I learn from other refugees. What we find out first, we tell others, others tell us.” (M, 47, Ukrainian, renting, Centre) 63 RECOMMENDATIONS Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions The recommendations in this section are clustered according to the durable solutions criteria used to structure the report. When possible, the most relevant stakeholders for implementa- tion of the recommendations are specified. While the recommendations below are not priori- tized according to the most immediate needs, the most pressing priorities for action:  providing housing market information and support to ensure access to quality housing;  continuing to adapt entry points into the education system to enhance enrollment and refugee/host community student social interaction;  improving access to care services and labor market information to enhance women’s labor force participation.  enhancing access to information on rights and services for displaced persons to access the benefits of temporary protection;  preventing discrimination and building social cohesion as time passes and less visible divisions in society potentially take on greater significance. Overall, there is a need to provide increased budget resources and technical support to LPAs to al- low them to respond to the emerging needs of displaced persons and host community members. Each recommendation, below, is preceded with a brief description of the challenge(s) they are aimed at addressing. SAFETY AND SECURITY Intimidation, discrimination, and violence. While most displaced persons have not reported experiencing acts of intimidation, discrimination and violence associated with their nationality and situation of displacement, some have and there is concern that such behavior may be increasing. Forms of discrimination include language discrimination, school bullying and traf- fic hostility. Although not necessarily widespread, this behavior can significantly undermine displaced persons’ senses of safety, security and social integration. Local officials can play an important, positive role in countering this hostility and contributing to an inclusive, tolerant environment. Recommendations:  Sensitize and train national and local authorities on the possible forms of discrimination and hostility displaced persons may experience, and advise them on modeling and cultivating a publicly welcoming, open community environment.  Train community police in negotiating conflict situations which involve foreigners to 64 ensure equitable and fair treatment and sensitivity to their unique legal standing.  Reinforce the capacities of teachers and school administrators on how to deal with Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions bullying and discrimination among children and how to promote a welcoming and tolerant environment.  LPAs, schools, community police and local NGOs should organize regular social and cultural events aimed at gathering displaced persons and host community members to build trust and mutual understanding.  GIM should develop communication materials and campaigns to eliminate discrimination and violence against displaced persons, with a particular focus on supporting women. Gender-based violence and trafficking of individuals. Known cases of gender-based violence are limited. However, they may be underreported due to reluctance on the part of victims to draw attention to themselves and concerns that they will not receive the support they need. There are also limited services available to GBV survivors including a lack of shelters to escape from violent abusers. A long-standing concern prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the risk of trafficking is heightened for displaced persons. Recommendations:  Train community police on how to respond to cases of GBV that involve displaced persons/ foreigners, including where to refer individuals for medical, psychosocial, legal, housing and other services.  Address the lack of temporary housing for survivors of GBV by creating regional shelters for both displaced persons and the broader community. Work on GBV prevention with local NGOs and specialized actors to support both displaced persons and their broader host communities.  Train community police and LPAs on risks of trafficking of displaced women and children so that they can educated the displaced community on how to protect themselves and reach out for help and so that the police can be available and committed to response in the case of incidents. ADEQUATE STANDARD OF LIVING Housing. There has been a significant move from temporary accommodation centers to more stable housing situations, yet approximately 7% of displaced persons are still residing in such accommodation centers (RACs). RACs also face financial difficulties as the government pay- ment system is inefficient, placing unnecessary financial stress on RAC management. While there are advantages to living in RACs (e.g., due to ease of access to resources), staying in temporary accommodation undermines the self-sufficiency and integration prospects of dis- placed persons. Affordability is an issue for many living in private housing arrangements, and approximately 24% of those staying in private housing are uncertain about how long they can stay. For those staying with host families, there remains a need to maintain support for the host family so as not to avoid undermining their overall living standards. 65 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Recommendations:  Research the housing market’s response to the situation faced by displaced persons; find out if/how widespread predatory landlord behavior is and take steps to reduce exploitation, perhaps by providing advisory support for rental and lease negotiations.  Continue supporting individuals living in RACs to find private accommodations that are appropriate to their needs and provide incentives and support, including allowances if needed, to encourage moving into private housing for those less able to generate income due to age, disability or care responsibilities.  Continue to provide financing to host families to encourage relationship building between host communities and refugees, to defray some of the costs of hosting refugees and reduce the risk of families moving back into RACs.  As the government agency responsible for RAC operations, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, MMPS), local municipalities, the UN, and I/NGO agencies should collaborate / coordinate to urgently address the financial uncertainty that accommodation centers currently face and ensure quality of services.  Research/explore more long-term housing solutions in line with the housing market and context in Moldova: rental incentives, social housing programs benefitting all etc. Education. A significant number of school-aged children are currently not enrolled in school either in Moldova or in online schooling from Ukraine. Students attending school online are limited in their socializing with their peers in the community outside of the classroom. This is reinforced by the erroneous perception of LPAs that there are few or no displaced children enrolled in local schools. While the number of students enrolled in Moldovan schools is increas- ing, most of the children and their families opt for online Ukrainian curriculum. There are also reports of bullying and other factors that move students out of the Moldovan system or prevent them from enrolling. Teachers and administrators are not well prepared to welcome foreign children and to prevent and respond to discrimination in the schools. Recommendations:  With support of the Ministry of Education and Research (MER), LPAs and regional integration centers should organize school enrollment campaigns to make sure all children are enrolled in school, whether in Moldova or online.  The MER should develop and provide resource materials and support to school administrators and teachers to communicate messages of tolerance and acceptance of foreigners to students.  LPAs, community groups and schools in areas populated by displaced persons should organize after-school Romanian language classes and other after-school programs to facilitate child socialization (sports teams, art classes, etc.).  Provide financial support to LPAs to enhance the capacity of early childhood learning centers and post-secondary technical education to allow for greater enrollment among 3-6 year olds and 19-24 year olds in the education system.  Support online schooling for Ukrainian children in local schools to ensure social interaction 66 between children. Healthcare. Most–but not all–displaced persons are able to access the health care they need. Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Discrimination has been encountered in medical facilities, specialists and specialized medicine may not be available in-country and some displaced persons prefer to be treated in Ukraine. There is also a significant need for psychosocial support to help displaced persons respond to traumatic events but the availability of such support in Moldova is limited.  The Ministry of Health should develop a communication strategy to inform displaced persons and service providers of the rights and obligations of temporary protection holders. They should include training materials to eliminate discriminatory behavior in the delivery of medical services.  Together with MOH, MIA should support refugees to gain easy access to medical care, including through referrals provided at the point of reception and through RACs.  Provide technical and financial support to MOH and private health care providers to enable health centers and clinics to utilize telehealth systems more effectively; this will increase access to specialized care for Moldovans (particularly in rural areas) and displaced persons. Equity in resource distribution. Interviews demonstrated a potentially significant inequality in access to temporary protection and other resources, with with many displaced persons living in accommodation centers enjoying a wide range of resources, support, information sessions and trainings, while those living outside of accommodation centers (and particularly those living in rural areas) report have very limited access to resources. Some local Moldovans feel resentful because they perceive that Ukrainians receive more financial support and assistance than they do. Almost one-fourth of LPAs say their local constituents feel that authorities pay attention to displaced persons at the expense of meeting the needs of the local communities. Recommendations:  The Ministry of Internal Affairs should provide technical and financial resources to regional integration centers to enhance their capacity to communicate actively with displaced persons regarding availability of resources and services and to enhance their outreach into communities with concentrations of displaced persons.  To address feelings of resentment and prevent gaps in service providers’ abilities to accommodate population increases, provide financial resources to LPAs for upgrades to education, health, transport and other public services for the benefit of communities that host significant numbers of displaced persons. LIVELIHOODS AND EMPLOYMENT Financial insecurity. Although displaced persons are increasingly engaging in income-gen- erating activities, many remain economically vulnerable. Many displaced persons barely have enough income to afford food and other basic items and services. A quarter of displaced per- sons continue to rely on cash assistance as their main source of income. Almost all displaced persons receive humanitarian aid. Lack of adequate information about assistance programs and entitlements pose additional barriers to livelihoods and integration. 67 Recommendations: Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions  MIA and humanitarian organizations should develop information materials on social assistance programsand develop awareness-raising campaigns about the available channels to engage in income generating activities.  MIA should develop materials on household financial management and financial coping mechanisms to offer training for displaced persons through regional integration centers.  National agencies should provide LPAs with financial and human resources to enable them to better coordinate the provision of services and meet the evolving needs of displaced populations in their communities.  LPAs should be trained on using a centralized electronic database to improve service delivery. Employment and business development. The number of displaced persons seeking and ob- taining employment in Moldova has significantly increased, and displaced persons are begin- ning to establish and grow small businesses. However, family care responsibilities, especially childcare duties, pose pose significant barriers to employment. Low salaries, language barriers and insufficient matches between skills and available jobs further discourage displaced per- sons from obtaining employment in Moldova. Most displaced persons are employed in ser- vices-oriented sectors, and Ukrainians with advanced skills/education struggle to find jobs that match their skills and experience. Access to financing, while improving, remains a constraint for business development. Different perceptions between local authorities and displaced per- sons about the situation on the ground exacerbate existing barriers. Recommendations:  The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and private sector training providers should develop training courses targeting high-skilled professions and provide incentives and placement initiatives to better make use of the skills and experience of high-skilled displaced persons.  The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and National Employment Agency should strengthen information systems for matching job seekers and employers and explore the development of a digital skills-matching platform to facilitate matching the skills of job seekers with the skills being sought by employers; this proposed system could leverage new technologies to better align labor market supply with demand.  MIA should develop and offer entrepreneurship trainings and business incubation support for displaced persons, including through regional integration centers.  Development partners should continue to work with the Moldovan credit bureau “Biroul de Credit”, financial institutions and other business support agencies to enhance access to credit and financing for business start-up and development.  Offer generalized language classes in Romanian for displaced persons to support labor market integration.  MIA, together with LPAs and regional integration centers, should map the available child care services and providers in communities hosting displaced persons to identify opportunities to make better use of existing services and fill in gaps in service availability. 68  Provide technical and financial resources to LPAs to invest in the expansion of child care Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions services in their municipalities where needed.  MLSP should provide information material regarding child care services and providers, as well as provide allowances, to enable displaced persons with household care responsibilities to seek and obtain employment in Moldova. ACCESS TO PERSONAL AND OTHER DOCUMENTATION WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION (including TEMPORARY PROTECTION STATUS) Temporary Protection registration. Some displaced persons report that it is difficult for them to take on the logistical burden of registering for temporary protection while trying to maintain their daily survival (e.g., managing work, family care, school, and their experiences of war-relat- ed trauma). Others experience a variety of difficulties navigating the online registration system. Displaced persons with family members who remain in Ukraine and/or with medical needs that require them to leave Moldova have been hesitant to register for TP because of the original 45-day restriction, which was only recently lifted. Knowledge about TP among LPAs is relatively low, as is the rate of displaced persons’ registration. Recommendations:  MIA should improve the online registration portal and host local registration events at the regional integration centers where displaced persons can use computers and seek professional support as they register.  Provide incentives to LPAs who achieve a threshold of registration in their municipalities.  Improve/strengthen communication and information on TP for Ukrainians, LPAs, service providers and host communities to ensure transparent and up-to-date information to all concerned persons. 69 REFERENCES Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 1 UNHCR 2023 Refugee Response Plan Local Consultations Brief description of main problems and local reaction to refugees crisis management https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/2023-refugee-response-plan-local-consultations-moldova-october-2022-enru 2 UNHCR Accountability and inclusion Accountability and inclusion https://data.unhcr.org/en/working-group/316?sv=0&geo=680 3 REACH Area-Based Assessment (ABA): Chisinau and Stefan Voda The ABAs intend to provide a situation overview of refugees outside of RACs and host communities in the assessed areas to inform refugee response actors of their priority and unmet needs as well as enable them to tailor their current response to the local context. https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/moldova-area-based-assessment-aba-chisinau-and-stefan-voda-january-2023 4 WHO Assessment of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in refugee accommodation centres in the Republic of Moldova–Summary report https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/assessment-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash-conditions-refugee- accommodation-centres-republic-moldova-summary-report 5 REACH Border monitoring–refugee arrival Statistical profiling of refugees crossing Moldovan border. https://www.impact-repository.org/document/reach/05f95342/REACH_MDA_Factsheet_Refugee-Border- Monitoring_2022-04-20.pdf 6 REACH, UNHCR Cost of living assessment upon request 70 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 7 IOM Displacement data analysis (return survey) Identify hotspot locations with high levels of economic vulnerability prior to the crisis that received a high influx of refugees. Explore how the economic crisis (e.g. increased costs of energy) and the refugee crisis have influenced the Moldovan and refugee households’ abilities to sustain their livelihoods and their consumption patterns https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/republic-moldova-impact-cost-living-changes-moldovan-and-refugee- populations-february-2023 8 UNDP Energy poverty Dicplacement tracking: Key discplacement statistics https://dtm.iom.int/reports/republic-moldova-%E2%80%94-displacement-data-analysis-tcns-round-13-16-oct-2022 9 UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Safety Audit Report Approaches to measure energy poverty, overall patterns of energy poverty (rural inhabitants, women, and people with disabilities are particularly affected by energy poverty) https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-09/Report%20Energy%20Poverty%20EN.pdf 10 UNDP How is life: Micro-narratives on the impact of the Ukraine crisis in Moldova https://moldova.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/gbv_safety_audit_report_ukraine_ref_response_moldova.pdf 11 Internews Information Ecosystem Assessment Explore the experiences of both Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and the local Moldovan citizens (survivalism, decision-making, responsibility, prejudice, needs, housing, employment) https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2022-10/HOW_is_LIFE_UNDP.pdf 12 UNDP Moldova: Potential impacts of increased food and energy prices on poverty and vulnerability AAP, communication channels, feedback Not published yet 71 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 13 UNICEF Multi-Sector Needs Assessment in Moldova The current scenario of increased food and energy prices and the possibility that it will persist or worsen throughout the year because of the war in Ukraine threatens household welfare in Moldova. https://www.undp.org/moldova/publications/moldova-potential-impacts-increased-food-and-energy-prices-poverty- and-vulnerability 14 UNHCR Operational Data Portal Informed the development of the Regional Refugee Response Plan https://www.unicef.org/moldova/en/documents/multi-sector-needs-assessment-moldova 15 Refugees International Preparing for the Unpredictable: Ensuring the Protection and Inclusion of Refugees from Ukraine in Romania and Moldova Key refugee figures/real-time https://data.unhcr.org/en/country/MDA 16 UNHCR Protection Risks and Needs of Refugees from Ukraine Recommendations to the Government, UN agencies, NGOs and EU response https://www.refugeesinternational.org/reports/2022/10/5/preparing-for-the-unpredictable-ensuring-the-protection- and-inclusion-of-refugees-from-ukraine-in-romania-and-moldova 17 CARE Rapid Gender Analysis Brief Ukrainian Refugees in Moldova https://data.unhcr.org/en/dataviz/250?sv=0&geo=680 18 People in Need Rapid Winterization Assessment Needs, risks, recommendations https://careevaluations.org/wp-content/uploads/RGA-Brief_Moldova_Final1.pdf 19 Internews Roma Task Force Information Preferences, Barriers and Needs of Roma Refugees in Moldova https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/95981 72 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 20 OXFAM Seeking Safety: Roma Refugees in Moldova – Challenges and humanitarian needs https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/95878 21 REACH The impact of cost-of-living changes on Moldovan and refugee populations https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/seeking-safety-roma-refugees-moldova-challenges-and-humanitarian-needs 22 UNICEF Ukraine Refugee Response in Neighboring Countries Regular highlights, basic statistics, funding, partnerships, high-level summary/outputs by programme area: child protection, health and nutrition, education, WASH, Social Protection, AAP https://www.unicef.org/media/129961/file/ECARO-Refugee-Response-Humanitarian-SitRep-No-18-4-November-2022. pdf 23 IOM Ukraine Response 2022–Moldova: Surveys with Ukrainian Refugees and Third-Country Nationals–Round 6 Dicplacement tracking: Collected at the border crossing points. Includes data on the most urgent needs; plans; reasons of travel to Ukraine https://dtm.iom.int/reports/republic-moldova-94-displacement-surveys-refugees-ukraine-and-tcns-crossing-ukraine- round-06 24 UNDP UNDP Summary of Local public authorities and Refugees Needs and Mobility Assessments (18 Jul 2022) Refugee Mobility & Needs Mapping & Analysis Based on Alternative Data (UNDP, Orange, Government); Assessment of Local public authorities’ Needs and Capacities (UNDP, CALM, IOM, UNHCR, CBS Axxa) https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/94498 25 Voice Amplified Waiting for the Sky to Close: The Unprecedented Crisis Facing Women and Girls Fleeing Ukraine https://app.powerbi.com/ yJrIjoiM2I1OGRkNjktNDM2ZC00NDNjLWIyYzktYzcyN2MyMjBkYzQzIiwidCI6ImU1YzM3OTgx- LTY2NjQtNDEzNC04YTBjLTY1NDNkMmFmODBiZSIsImMiOjh9 26 UNHCR, REACH, UNICEF Education Assessment | Key Findings | MOLDOVA | August 2023 Education. FGD? II? KII on the access to and the conditions of Ukrainian online education for school-aged refugee children in Moldova and the experiences and conditions of Ukrainian refugee children enrolled in Moldovans chools, and of their caregivers https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/moldova-education-assessment-key-findings-august-2023 73 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 27 UNWOMEN GENDER BRIEF: LIVELIHOODS AND ACCESS TO WORK OF REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE IN NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES Assessment of access to work of women in Moldova, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Romania. Based on secondary data review and validation process from key informants https://eca.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/06/gender-brief-livelihoods-and-access-to-work-of- refugees-from-ukraine-in-neighboring-host-countries 28 UNHCR; Regional Refugee Response for the Ukraine Situation, Moldova for Peace Refugee and Local Community Feedback | Analysis and Actions Taken analysis of refugees’ feedback shared via online social media sources. Monitoring included 18 Telegram, 17 Viber, 10 online mass media sources and 7 FB groups and pages. https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/refugee-and-local-community-feedback-analysis-and-actions-taken-june-2023 29 UNHCR, INTERNEWS Floods and deserts: information access and barriers in Moldova’s refugee response research commissioned by UNHCR in Moldova to better understand how Ukrainian refugees and the host community in Moldova create, access and share information about the Ukrainian refugee response. This research uses Internews’ Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA) approach to understand the ‘health’ of an information ecosystem by investigating Information supply https://reliefweb.int/report/moldova/floods-and-deserts-information-access-and-barriers-moldovas-refugee-response- enro 30 REACH, UNHCR, UNICEF MOLDOVA MULTI-SECTOR | NEEDS ASSESSMENT (MSNA)–Key Findings presentation – November 2023 Households’ surveys by REACH. To inform the Ukraine Situation Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) 2024, UNICEF and UNHCR Moldova programming along with the programmes of humanitarian and development actors active in the response in Moldova, by providing up-to date multi-sectoral data about the needs and coping capacities of refugee households displaced from Ukraine to Moldova https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/104642 31 The Platform for Gender | Equality, Gender Centru and UN Women Consultation with women organisations and refugee women for Regional Response Plan 2024 To inform the planning process of the Refugee Response Plan for 2024, the Platform for Gender Equality, Gender Centru and UN Women organized a series of consultations with women-led (WLOs) and women rights organisations (WROs), as well as refugee women https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/104072 74 Qualitative study design Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Table A. FGDs Category of respondents No. of respondents Date 1FG Refugee women in accommodation centres, urban area 7 21.05.2023 2FG Refugee women, accommodated in host households, urban area 7 21.05.2023 3FG Refugee men, accommodated in accommodation centres 6 27.05.2023 4FG Refugee men accommodated in host households 7 27.05.2023 5FG Refugee women, accommodated in host households, rural area 8 28.05.2023 6FG Refugee women in accommodation centres, rural area 7 28.05.2023 7FG Members of host households, urban area 7 03.06.2023 8FG Members of host households, rural area 7 03.06.2023 9FG Roma refugees 7 04.06.2023 10FG Refugees with disabilities 6 04.06.2023 Total 69 Table B. In-depth interviews Category of respondents Quantity General Inspectorate for Migration 1 Ministry of Health 1 National Health Insurance Company 1 Ministry of Education and Research 1 Ministry of Labour and Social Protection 1 National Employment Agency 1 Accommodation Centre 2 NGO providing support services for refugees 2 LPAs 2 Total 12 75 Endnotes tions, the Congress of Ukrainians, international orga- Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions nizations, and we ask everyone to get involved in this 1 https://www.unhcr.org/us/news/press-releases/un- process of informing people throughout the country, hcr-warns-against-apathy-and-inaction-amid-spike- to go to different localities, villages. We regularly hold forced-displacement meetings on the ground with the involvement of 2 https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2023 local authorities and other authorities responsible for health, social protection in the territory, to inform 3 https://www.unhcr.org/us/about-unhcr/who-we-are/ them and see the problems arising in the imple- global-compact-refugees mentation of temporary protection. Video spots, 4 https://scorecard.worldbank.org/en/scorecard/home information leaflets have also been developed to 5 UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Oper- ensure accessibility. The Ukrainian Congress also has ational Data Portal, Link. great support. It also sends out messages, including 6 More than 969-974 thousand people. through different existing forums, different social media aspects involved, so that the message reaches 7 As November 2023. The number of displaced persons out. The message is distributed and hopefully it’s (112,500 people) is roughly 4% of Moldova’s the total accessible to all people.” (GIM) population of 2.7 million. 20 Quick assessment on the implementation of the 8 Republic of Moldova — Displacement Data Analysis temporary protection in Moldova”, National Congress on TCNs, IOM 2023. of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM) 9 Others are from Moldova, Azerbaijan, Russia, Georgia, 21 Refugee Response Plan 2024. Israel, Armenia, Belarus, and Turkey. Republic of Moldova — Evolution of Displacement patterns, needs 22 Quick assessment on the implementation of the and intentions of refugees and Third-Country Nation- temporary protection in Moldova”, National Congress als from Ukraine — 2022 Trends, IOM OR https://data. of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM) unhcr.org/en/documents/details/94498 (reference 23 https://igm.gov.md/en/content/temporary-protec- unclear in Vasile report). tion-ukrainians-territory-republic-moldova-be-extend- 10 UNHCR operational data portal ed#:~:text=The%20extension%20of%20the%20tempo- rary,currently%20displaced%20within%20our%20country. 11 Operational Data Postal, UNHCR. 2024. 24 “Quick assessment on the implementation of the 12 Seven percent of the displaced population in Moldo- temporary protection in Moldova”, National Congress va are not citizens of Ukraine. of Ukrainians of Moldova (NCUM). 2023. 13 Surveys conducted with refugees upon entering the 25 General Inspectorate for Migration (GIM), “From the Republic of Moldova. first days [of the war], the blow was on [the LPAs]. 14 The share of women and girls decreased over the They set up centers for these people.” studied period passing from 80% in first months to 26 Minimum total number of displaced persons in a 66% at the end of 2022. (Source: Surveys conducted given locality: 1; mean: 83; maximum: 3,300. with refugees upon entering the Republic of Moldova). 27 IASC Framework, https://interagencystanding- 15 Evolution of displacement patterns, needs and committee.org/sites/default/files/migrated/2021-03/ intentions of refugees and third-country nationals IASC%20Framework%20on%20Durable%20Solu- from Ukraine, IOM; see also: https://app.powerbi. tions%20for%20Internally%20Displaced%20Per- com/view?r=eyJrIjoiZjYwMDFhMzMtMTJjZS00NzU- sons%2C%20April%202010.pdf 1LTkzYzgtNTNhN2FiNjU3Y2RlIiwidCI6ImU1YzM3OT- gxLTY2NjQtNDEzNC04YTBjLTY1NDNkMmFmODBi- 28 “From the beginning there was a profile of people ZSIsImMiOjh9 with a higher financial status…At the moment we have the most socially vulnerable groups” (LPA, urban). 16 Republic of Moldova — Evolution of Displacement pat- https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/94498 terns, needs and intentions of refugees and Third-Coun- try Nationals from Ukraine — 2022 Trends, IOM 29 https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/94498 17 Republic of Moldova — Evolution of Displacement 30 “In the placement centers where everything is free, patterns, needs and intentions of refugees and there are citizens who cannot afford to go to rent. Third-Country Nationals f rom Ukraine — 2022 Who can’t afford to work remotely or didn’t even Trends, IOM have a job in Ukraine before coming here, they are housewives” (NGO, urban). https://data.unhcr.org/en/ 18 Law No. 270-XVI of 2008 on Asylum in the Republic of documents/details/94498. Moldova and new “Program on management of the migration flow, asylum and integration of foreigners 31 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Safety Audit Report: Ukraine for 2022-2025.” Refugee Response, Republic of Moldova, UNFPA, UNHCR 76 19 “We are working with non-governmental organiza- 32 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Safety Audit Report: Ukraine Refugee Response, Republic of Moldova, basic needs such as food, water, clothing, accommo- Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions UNFPA, UNHCR. dation, and healthcare, a number that rose to 100 33 Displaced people who identify as Roma say they per cent for Roma from Ukraine in Moldova. https:// would never seek support from the police. reliefweb.int/report/poland/hidden-hardship-one-year- living-forced-displacement-refugees-ukraine 34 REACH Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA). 47 https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/106720 35 Consultation with women organizations and refugee women for RRP24, 48 2023 MSNA. 36 More information on the work of the Permanent Secretar- 49 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. iat can be found on its website at www.antitrafic.gov.md 50 Protection risks and needs of refugees from Ukraine, 37 “They organise excursions for us, they give us pres- UNHCR ents. We are not discriminated against and I have not 51 Source: Protection risks and needs of refugees from seen any situation where others are discriminated Ukraine, UNHCR against. We all have the same mentality, as former 52 2023 MSNA. There was some confusion among respon- members of USSR. Moldovans understand that dents whether online education in Ukraine qualified as Ukraine is now a kind of shield, hence the compas- formal education. sion, and support” (F, 57, Ukrainian living in accom- 53 In 2022, only 16% of school aged children were modation centre, Centre). enrolled in Moldovan schools. However, preference 38 “We even have seminars on this topic. We are told for Ukrainian online education was the most cited where we can go, where we can call in case of need, reason for non-enrollment (62%), 2022 MNSA but so far there have been no situations requiring in- 54 Source: Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, tervention. However, work is actively being done in this UNICEF, 2022 direction so that no one is offended or wronged” (M, 60 years old, Ukrainian, in accommodation centre, Centre). 55 Source: Protection risks and needs of refugees from Ukraine, UNHCR 39 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA), REACH, 2023 Preliminary analysis (9 Nov 2023) 56 2023 MSNA 40 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Safety Audit Report: 57 https://data.unhcr.org/en/dataviz/248?sv=54&- Ukraine Refugee Response, Republic of Moldova, geo=10784 UNFPA, UNHCR 58 See Section 2.1. 41 2023 Refugee Response Plan Local Consultations, 59 2023 MSNA Moldova. October 2022. Consultation with women 60 Education Assessment , Key Findings, MOLDOVA organisations and refugee women for Regional Re- | August 2023, REACH; Consultation with women sponse Plan 2024 organisations and refugee women for Regional Re- 42 “Everybody helps us, there are many charitable or- sponse Plan 2024. ganizations that visit us, organize trainings, we have 61 Education Assessment , Key Findings, MOLDOVA sessions with psychologists, we are given humani- | August 2023, REACH; Consultation with women tarian aid. We are fully supported, both emotionally organisations and refugee women for Regional Re- and physically” (F, 57 years old, Ukrainian living in sponse Plan 2024. Slide 22. accommodation centre, Centre). 62 “Of course, we received help, last year they provided 43 “There is enough information. Initially I found every- clothes for the children and we thank them, but this thing I was looking for from social services. Also from year the help decreased. It’s a natural, clear thing, Google, using translation, one can find out details. because sponsors help for a while, then they leave.” On telegram I also find everything I am interested (F, 36, Roma refugee) in. Now I know my rights fully. If someone doesn’t 63 “I live in the town of Balti. At the beginning I lived in know something, they can call the hotline, there are the village, with relatives, but the town hall did not lawyers, psychologists who can help them for free” (F, help us with anything in terms of providing aid, so I 33, Ukrainian, renting, Centre). had to move to the city. At first, I lived at the refugee 44 Consultation with women organizations and refugee centre, now I live in an apartment.” (F, 32, refugee women for RRP24. with disability) 45 Consultation with women organizations and refugee 64 Relatedly, nearly one quarter of officials (23%) say that women for RRP24. benefiting from the same services as Moldovan citi- 46 A survey published in February 2023 by the Norwe- zens will help displaced persons integrate into their gian Refugee Council had also found that in the first local communities. year after the invasion, 68 per cent of refugees across 65 Gender brief, Moldova: Livelihoods and access to work of 77 Poland, Romania, and Moldova were not able to cover refugees from Ukraine in neighboring host countries, June 81 https://pressroom.ifc.org/all/pages/PressDetail.aspx?ID=27243 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions 2023; Slide 17. 82 Ukraine crisis response | 2022 — 2023, Republic of 66 Gender brief, Moldova: Livelihoods and access to work of refu- Moldova, IOM gees from Ukraine in neighboring host countries, June 2023;. 83 UNHCR TP Update August 2023. 67 2022 MSNA. 84 Similar 68 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. 85 “Well, the salary... locals work for such wages, why 69 “I think it’s 60%-70% of refugees are vulnerable and shouldn’t I? Living on a salary was possible. As far mothers with several children, adults, people with var- as the schedule was concerned, it was every two ious diseases and those who don’t have the finances days, but it could be set individually, based on the to go further” (APL, urban); “In the placement centers agreement with the boss. I could also work every day. where everything is free, there are citizens who cannot I was working every two days, but with an extended afford to go to rent. Who can’t afford to work remotely schedule of 12 hours. Everything can be discussed; or didn’t even have a job in Ukraine before coming everything can be worked out.” (M, 40 years old, here, they are housewives” (NGO, urban). Ukrainian, living in accommodation centre, Centre) 70 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, UNICEF, 2022. 86 “Later it turned out that some of them wanted to 71 2023 MSNA. do some vocational training, because they were un- skilled people or people who did not meet the mar- 72 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023., ket requirements... We develop vocational training Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2022. services for the unemployed, we buy training services 73 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. for the unemployed, but for refugees we do not have 74 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. the possibility to buy. That’s why, through develop- ment partners, we offered this possibility to refugees 75 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2022. as well.” (ANOFM) 76 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. 87 „Those who wanted to take a job, they have already 77 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. taken it. We have also done success stories for those 78 Multi-Sector Needs Assessment, REACH, 2023. who got employed. We posted those success stories 79 This definition includes working age individuals who on Facebook, we distributed them, so that displaced are employed and unemployed (but are trying to and people could see, understand that there is an oppor- are available to assume employment). Outside the tunity to get a job here as well, but we also had local labor force are working age individuals who are not newspapers that took up and posted that informa- employed and are neither looking nor able to start tion.” (ANOFM) employment if available. ILO Labor Force Survey. 88 “Considering that refugees are guests in our country, 80 „I’m more worried about the job issue. Basically, all it seems to me that they are even more protected volunteer positions are filled by Moldovans. I have than our people. They are quite active people and absolutely nothing against Moldovans, but I think they know their rights, so they will ask if they need Ukrainians should be offered jobs.” (M, 38 years old, to.” (LPA, North) Ukrainian in accommodation centre, North) 78 Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova | Moving Towards Durable Solutions Displaced Persons from Ukraine in Moldova MOVING TOWARDS DURABLE SOLUTIONS July 2024 79