Doha: Today, the attention of the entire world community is riveted to the events taking place in Ukraine. The war that came to this country is the greatest tragedy for many millions of people living in the neighbourhood of Moldova.
According to the Constitution, the Republic of Moldova has neutral status. We are not and do not intend to be members of any military-political blocs or alliances. But this does not mean that our people remain neutral and indifferent to human grief, said a statement of the Moldovan embassy.
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova is facing an unprecedented situation due to the large number of refugees entering the country from Ukraine, fleeing the war. Despite the challenges, Moldova has proven to be a warm and welcoming country to all those in need.
After February 24, the date of the start of the war between Ukraine and Russian Federation, all the state institutions have mobilised to meet the needs of newcomers, as well as to facilitate transit for those heading to third party countries. According to the authorities, more than 315,000 have crossed into Moldova, but around 120,000 are remaining on its territory.
However, it is not only Ukrainians who have been forced to flee the country. Around 32,000 persons from the total number of refugees were foreigners of other nationalities. In this case too, Moldova has been opened to help all the nationalities in need from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia and others. Unfortunately, among the numerous refugees a considerable number are children. Around 117,000 minors have crossed the borders of the Republic of Moldova and approximately 48,000 of them are remaining there, the embassy said.
As part of the public sector efforts, the Moldovan authorities have set up triage and assistance centres at the two border crosses with Ukraine; these are Ocnița and Palanca. The central and local authorities have identified accommodation space, installed beds and opened temporary kitchens in order to provide basic care for those in need.
The crisis cell within the Government of the Republic of Moldova has launched a public awareness and assistance campaign, by opening a bank account where donations are flooding in. On the other hand, the private sector has also shown tremendous solidarity and support for the refugees. More restaurants and businesses provide meals, private hospitals and clinics offer free consultations and other volunteers host the refugees at their houses or use personal cars to drive them to their next stop.
In this very difficult situation, the authorities of the Republic of Moldova have addressed the international community, to our friendly and brotherly countries, including the State of Qatar, requesting of support and assistance.
The staff of the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Qatar has also got involved in helping the situation. The personnel has donated sums of money, and hosted refugees at their homes back in Moldova.
It must be noted that this is the first time ever in the history of the Republic of Moldova where such a big influx of people was recorded. Therefore, it puts some strain on the public authorities who have stepped up their efforts in managing the current situation. Despite these efforts, given the ever-increasing flow of refugees, the financial and material resources of the Republic of Moldova do not cover all the needs to manage this crisis.
In particular, the border control and medical system, as well as the capacity to supply refugees with basic food products, are under immense pressure.
Only by joint efforts, we can better manage the crisis, and in its turn, Moldova is grateful to all the partners who have hurried to help. If any of the readers would like more information on the situation or would want to contribute or get involved in helping the Republic of Moldova to manage this situation, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the State of Qatar is open and fully available for that.
