Project Summary:

The primary objective of the programme is to enhance the human security of Ukrainian refugees, third country nationals (TCNs) fleeing the war in Ukraine, and their host communities in Moldova. The programme will do so through putting in place resources to address the increasing vulnerabilities and support the social and economic integration of conflict-affected populations (bearing in mind elements such as gender, age, disability, and other diversity characteristics of individuals), as part of a transformative development process in Moldova.

Under this programme, UNDP and IOM will build resilience to the compounded crisis in Moldova, which has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, while securing gains from humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian refugees, TCNs, and host communities.

Objectives:

• Infrastructure and basic services are effectively and adequately provided to the refugees, TCNS, and the host communities, demonstrating “build-forward-better” with green, energy-efficient and digital technologies;

• Refugees, TCNs, returning migrants and host community members, particularly women, older people and persons with disabilities, have access to livelihoods and employment opportunities, including in agriculture and food supply chains, that help them build self-reliance and live with dignity;
• Universal access to protection, including support to survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking in persons, is ensured for the refugees, TCNs, and Moldovan communities, with special attention to women, children, older people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups;
• Refugees, TCNs, returning Moldovan migrants, and host communities live in an inclusive, non-discriminatory, and peaceful environment where social cohesion, mutual trust and enhanced human security prevail.

Expected results:

• The programme will adopt an area-based programming approach, focusing on at least five communities with a high concentration of refugees and TCNs, and high level of vulnerability with imminent needs across multiple sectors at a large scale;
• Residents in these communities, are estimated to be approximately 1,200 refugees and TCNs and 40,000 host community people in total;
• Local public authorities leading the target communities will benefit from support in upgrading the local public services and enhanced crisis resilience;
• The National Employment Agency and its territorial offices will enhance their capacity to effectively support refugees in need of assistance on their job-seeking journey;
• Private sector representatives will benefit from both capacity building activities and grant/support schemes.