Since it began on the 24th of February, the war in Ukraine has forced millions of people to leave their homes. According to the UNHCR, more than 3 million people have already fled, and many more are expected to leave as the situation escalates. A great number of these people have sought refuge in neighboring countries, such as Moldova – one of Europe’s smallest and poorest countries.
Most refugees per capita
So far, the southeastern European country has received more than 350,000 refugees from Ukraine.
Given the country’s relatively small area, this is a significant influx of people. Being one of Ukraine’s most vulnerable neighbors, the large refugee population has put a tremendous strain on the country’s social services. According to Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița, Moldova now has the largest proportion of refugees per capita of any other nation. It is facing a potential humanitarian crisis.
Given its precarious geopolitical location tucked between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova has for years been pulled between the European Union on one side and Russia on the other. There are also tensions in the country in regard to Transnistria, a Russia-backed breakaway territory in Moldova, where Russian soldiers have been stationed for more than 30 years. Authorities are increasingly feeling the weight of the crisis, with large numbers of refugees crossing the border continuing day after day.
There is an urgent need for financial assistance in this small country of 2.6 million people, often overlooked in the region. Government officials and nonprofits seeking to provide shelter to incoming refugees are looking for help from the international community.
Charities you can donate to in support of the refugees
If you’re wondering how you can help, one of our staff writers, who is Moldovan himself, has compiled a list of organizations and initiatives that are helping refugees in the country that you can donate to if you wish to:
