In 2025, UN Human Rights Moldova released a report titled “The Human Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination: The Experience of Refugees from Ukraine on Both Banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.” This assessment was conducted under the project aimed at enhancing equal access to services and assistance for vulnerable refugees and local communities, funded by DG-ECHO. The goal was to evaluate discrimination experiences among refugees seeking public services since arriving in Moldova, particularly focusing on social cohesion between them and host communities.
Key findings revealed that the Government Regulation enacted in March 2023, granting Temporary Protection to refugees from Ukraine, improved legal predictability for many, although some remained undocumented. Roma refugees often benefited from community support despite applying for Temporary Protection less frequently. Conversely, Third-Country Nationals, particularly Russians, encountered negative biases and discrimination during their refugee status applications.
Experiences varied significantly depending on geographical location. On the Right Bank of the Dniester/Nistru River, refugees had better access to services due to more developed infrastructure and coordination among organisations. Nonetheless, challenges persisted, such as bureaucratic hurdles and occasional discrimination. Meanwhile, on the Left Bank, obstacles were more severe, affecting legal documentation and access to healthcare and job opportunities, notably impacting Roma refugees and individuals with disabilities. Access to healthcare was fraught with issues on both banks, but the Left Bank faced the harshest conditions.
Recommendations from the assessment include improving data collection on refugees under Temporary Protection, increasing awareness of non-discrimination principles among public servants and healthcare workers, and fostering better social ties between refugees and host communities. This summary underscores the critical need for continuous efforts to combat discrimination and enhance the integration of refugees in Moldova, particularly among vulnerable populations and across differing geographic contexts.
The assessment by UN Human Rights Moldova evaluates discrimination experienced by Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, particularly on the banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. It identifies legal and social challenges, with the Right Bank offering relatively better conditions than the Left Bank. Recommendations for improvement include better data collection, non-discrimination awareness, and fostering social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
The assessment highlights significant disparities in the experiences of Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, contrasting the challenges faced on the Left Bank of the Dniester/Nistru River with the relatively better conditions on the Right Bank. Discrimination remains a prevalent issue, particularly affecting marginalized groups. Addressing these inequalities through better data, awareness initiatives, and community engagement is vital for fostering social cohesion and improving access to essential services for all refugees.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
