Chisinau - The Moldovan and Romanian Governments, supported by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR and International Organization for Migration, IOM have set in place transfer of people who fled Ukraine, including third country nationals, from Palanca Border Crossing Point in southern Moldova to Romania, a journey of some 230 kilometres. The first convoy departed Palanca this morning, transporting 250 refugees to Huși in Romania.

As of 10 March, over 300,000 people have fled Ukraine into Moldova with 83,000 staying in the country. Many more may come should the situation in the southwest of Ukraine deteriorate.

“We are grateful to Governments of Moldova and Romania, and all countries neighbouring Ukraine for their rapid response and generosity,” said Lars Johan Lonnback, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Moldova.

“The number one priority is to ensure that all those fleeing the war have protection, shelter, basic needs and support services, including psychosocial assistance,” he added. “Safe onward transport will ensure crowds do not build up at border crossings and will also help protect women and girls from the dangers of human trafficking and gender-based violence”.

UNHCR and IOM in Romania has provided 8 buses to transfer refugees from Ukraine and third country nationals between the Border Crossing Points of Palanca in Moldova and Albița in Romania, where the Moldovan and Romanian Border Police will carry out crossing formalities. The operation will gather pace and continue until the border at Palanca is decongested.

In Huși, the Romanian Department for Emergency Situations has organized a transit facility. From there the refugees will be transferred to other points in Romania, according to their respective needs.

IOM and UNHCR are in discussion with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova about the opening of new crossing points, and are sourcing mobile document readers to ensure people are officially registered.

“This is a commendable initiative and an excellent demonstration of solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Moldova and also reflects the excellent collaboration with the Romanian authorities to address pressing challenges”, said Roland Schilling, UNHCR Representative for Central Europe. “The initiative of the two countries is very much in line with the global commitment for responsibility sharing which UNHCR has always been advocating for”.

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For further information please contact
In Chisinau:
Joe Lowry, on +373 6869 7118, jlowry@iom.int
Kisut Gebre Egziabher on +373 677 22468, gegziabk@unhcr.org
Ana Gnip, +373 79667 751, agnip@iom.int

In Bucharest:
Lucian Stirb, +40 747 223 993, lstirb@iom.int
Gabriela Leu, +40 722 212 097, leu@unhcr.org