Background

The escalation of the conflict in Ukraine has caused the destruction of civilian infrastructure and civilian casualties and forced people to flee their homes in search of safety, protection and assistance. As of April 4, 377,179 people have arrived in Moldova, the majority being women and children. The arrivals are mainly from Ukraine, but there are also many of other nationalities who were residing, seeking asylum or were recognized refugees in Ukraine. The movement of people remains very fluid, with around three-quarters moving to Romania and other places in Europe. Those without specific plans and resources are accommodated in temporary shelters, family homes or other short-term solutions identified by local organizations and volunteers. Upon arrival, people can find support provided by government authorities, local and international organizations and volunteers. Using information provided by responders and what they themselves have gathered during their journey, refugees make decisions about onward movement and access to services. Despite existing support, huge gaps in information, communication and engagement remain to ensure that refugees have access to the quality information they need to make informed decisions, to be able to communicate with actors in using their preferred platforms, formats and languages, and being able to participate in the decisions and activities that impact their future.

UNHCR and its partners have launched a regional refugee response plan that is based on accountability to those affected to ensure that those forced to flee can meaningfully participate in the design and decision-making of the response and can access services according to their priorities in a safe and accessible way. UNHCR will co-lead with a national NGO the coordination of the AAP through the AAP Working Group in Moldova, ensuring that it is mainstreamed into response activities and that organizations are committed to minimum standards. The AAP Working Group will be guided by the Core Humanitarian Standard, Grand Bargain Commitments, Inter-Agency Standing Committee Commitments on Inclusion and Accountability to Affected People and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) , the human rights-based approach (HRBA). The AAP working group will work in partnership with local and community organizations, including refugee-led organizations and informal networks, and in close collaboration with local stakeholders and authorities.