(Joint Press Release - International Organization for Migration in the Republic of Moldova (IOM), European Union, and Ministry of Internal Affairs)

Chișinău, July 11- Today, the European Union handed over 40 patrol vehicles and 100 body cameras to the General Inspectorate of Police (GIP) within an EU funded project implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Republic of Moldova. The donation, worth EUR 710 000, aims to strengthen the capabilities of the Police to respond promptly to emergency situations and protect the rights of people living in local communities. The body cameras will enhance police accountability as well as protect the rights of Moldovan citizens, as well as Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals. It aims to promote transparency of interactions. The patrol vehicles will be deployed across the country to strengthen the GIP’s capabilities to respond in a timely manner to any emergency situations.
 
The handover ceremony took place at the GIP’s headquarters in Chisinau in the presence of the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér VÁRHELYI, the Minister of Internal Affairs in the Republic of Moldova, Adrian EFROS, and the IOM Moldova’s Head of Programmes, Damien Fresnel.
 
“This generous EU in-kind assistance worth EUR 710 000 (approx. 14,63 million lei) aims to respond to the urgent needs expressed by the national authorities in the context of the emergency situation (refugees crisis, securing borders, Solidarity Lanes and energy crisis); It will further strengthen national capacities in line with EU acquis as well as to foster confidence with citizens through the promotion of Community Police. Today’s donation illustrates EU-Moldova joint commitments to reinforce the protection of the most vulnerable be it Moldovan and/or refugees and to provide the Moldovan policewomen and policemen with the best conditions to operate in a challenging and fast-evolving environment. We are convinced that the assistance delivered today will contribute to further build modern, accountable and digital law enforcement police, closer to its citizens.” stated the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér VÁRHELYI.

Minister Efros: “The Republic of Moldova has reaffirmed its crucial role as a bridge between the European Union and Ukraine, facilitating the safe evacuation and transit of individuals impacted by the conflict. Our project continues to prioritize the provision of dignified reception, emergency health assistance, protection, and secure transit routes for Ukrainian refugees seeking safety and stability. Thank you for your cooperation, commitment and collaboration towards building our confidence to meet people fleeing in fear to reach a safe home in our local communities.”

“The Republic of Moldova has been particularly welcoming and responsive to the tremendous humanitarian needs since February 2022. As the war enters a protracted phase, the scale of humanitarian needs remains vast. Scaling up border management activities, with the continued generous financial support of the European Union, will facilitate the assistance and protection for conflict-affected populations crossing borders and ensure that safe pathways are guaranteed by rights-based policies and procedures.” declared Damien Fresnel, IOM Moldova's Head of Programmes.

The donation was made within the EUR 15,000,000 EU funded project "Supporting Protection, Transit, Voluntary and Informed Return and Reintegration of Eastern Partnership Citizens and Third Country Nationals affected by the conflict in Ukraine" as part of the EU and IOM joint work to support the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its specialized agencies in ensuring pathways for regular migration and border security, and in protecting the rights of refugees during the prolonged stay in Moldova due to full-scale war in Ukraine.

In Europe, Moldova has been at the forefront of receiving refugees fleeing Ukraine. Over 1.1 million people have entered Moldova from Ukraine since 24 February 2022, of which around 120,000 are still residing in the country. 
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For more information, please contact:

Riccardo Severi, IOM Moldova's Communications and Public Information Officer, rseveri@iom.int