May 23, 2022
News
Refugees from Ukraine in Moldova will receive cash assistance through a project run by Caritas Czech Republic with EU humanitarian funding.
This initiative will help refugees in Dubasari, Straseni, and the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia buy what they need most urgently. Refugees will be able to purchase local goods and services with this cash assistance, which will help them regain a sense of normalcy and boost the local economy.
Starting from scratch in a new country
Over 460,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered Moldova since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While many continued their journey to other countries, as of May 13, 2022, more than 90,000 are still in Moldova.
Almost 90 per cent of the total number of refugees are women with children. They are especially vulnerable to different risks, including sexual exploitation and trafficking, and face many obstacles like discrimination and stigmatization. Many of them are arriving in Moldova with the bare essentials, usually with little more than the clothes they are wearing and a few items they could carry.
A one-off cash grant of 2,220 leu (around EUR 112) will help refugees hosted in households or placement centers in Dubasari, Straseni and Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia cover their basic needs. This cash assistance will be granted to the most vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and single women, families with two or more children, persons will disabilities or chronic/critical health conditions, and older persons.
“Cash assistance, transferred to refugees via the post office, is a quick and easy way to support the most vulnerable group of people to meet their basic needs in a dignified and empowering manner, while indirectly supporting the local economy at the level of host communities,” said Vasile Vasiliev, Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova Country Director.
“Russia’s invasion has forced millions of people to flee Ukraine and leave everything behind. To support the most vulnerable refugees in Moldova, the EU is providing humanitarian funding to Caritas Czech Republic to set up a cash assistance programme. Through the cash assistance, the refugees can choose for themselves what they need most urgently. The EU stands in full solidarity with refugees from Ukraine,” said Srdan Stojanovic, head of office, EU humanitarian aid Ukraine.
The cash assistance provided in Moldova is closely coordinated with the humanitarian community and the Government. This will ensure that cash grants are distributed efficiently and without duplication.
To address the growing needs of refugees in Moldova, Caritas Czech Republic is also equipping refugee placement centers with necessary items : appliances, beds, mattresses, pillows, towels, provides hygiene and medical kits to border crossing points.
What is cash assistance?
Cash assistance is one of the most efficient and effective ways to ensure that refugees have access to money during an emergency situation. It helps refugees to regain a sense of normalcy and allows them to decide themselves what they need most urgently.
Evidence shows that this form of support - one-time cash payments - helps refugees avoid negative adaptation mechanisms in new circumstances. Being able to pay for things like food, transportation or medicine also facilitates the inclusion of refugees and stimulates the local economy.
Interested in more news like this? Read more:
- Ukrainian refugees sheltered in Moldova start enjoying life again
- The impact of refugees on Moldova and the humanitarian aid provided by Caritas Czech Republic
- Stories of refugees: The password "Newborn from Ukraine" ensured shelter for Alexandra's family
