WFP will use the funds to address the immediate needs of Ukrainian refugees, by providing daily hot meals for refugees living at Refugee Accommodation Centres (RACs) and nutritious snacks for newly arrived refugees entering Republic of Moldova from Ukraine at major northern and southern border crossing points of Otaci and Palanca.
Part of the contribution will go towards providing cash assistance for Moldovan families hosting Ukrainian refugees. This support aims to reduce the financial burden of hosting and prevent negative coping mechanisms, such as using less preferred food or depleting savings.
With over 120,000 Ukrainian refugees still residing in the Republic of Moldova, making up almost 5 percent of the total population, the Republic of Moldova is the neighboring country that has received the highest number of refugees from Ukraine per capita.
"We reaffirm our strong stance on our continuous support to the people of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova to ensure that the most vulnerable have the means to sustain themselves through these difficult times" said H.E. Kim Hyung-Tae, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. "We are confident that with this additional support provided to our longstanding partner WFP, we will be able to improve the lives of many Ukrainian refugees who fled the war and to support the noble Moldovan households who embraced Ukrainian refugees."
This is the second contribution to WFP from the Government of the Republic of Korea since the beginning of the WFP's operations in the Republic of Moldova. This recently confirmed contribution testifies to the trust and collaborative partnership between the Korean Government and the WFP.
"This generous donation comes at a critical time as refugees from Ukraine continue to seek safety and stability in the Republic of Moldova amidst ongoing conflict in their home country, while the Moldovan host government is accelerating its efforts to provide sustainable solutions for them in the Republic of Moldova, this small country with a big heart," said WFP Representative and Country Director in the Republic of Moldova Katrien Ghoos, emphasizing WFP's commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the refugees and Moldovans hosting them. "This funding will make a real difference in the lives of many families who have endured unimaginable hardships."
Through its operations in the Republic of Moldova since March 2022, WFP has provided 5 million hot meals, supported up to a total of 20,000 Moldovan host families, and provided in 2023 and 2024 winter cash top-up to up for 155,000 most vulnerable Moldovans, representing 7 percent of the total population. Total assistance of the WFP accounts for over US$58 million injected into the Moldovan economy. Additionally, WFP's is providing support to Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to strengthen its social protection system, specifically in the areas of cash-assured payments, poverty reduction and shock responsiveness, in line with best practices. These reforms are part of the broader agenda aligned with the developments in progress for the European Union accession process.
