Challenges Faced by Roma Refugees from Ukraine in Moldova

A Closer Look at the Plight of Ukraine’s Roma Community as They Navigate Moldova’s Borders

Moldova – In the heart of Eastern Europe, a lesser-known humanitarian crisis unfolds as over 40,000 Roma citizens from Ukraine have sought refuge in Moldova since February 24, 2022. Among them, an estimated 5,000 Roma refugees now reside in Moldova and Gagauzia, with an additional 2,000 in Transnistria, facing daunting challenges and discrimination in their quest for a better life.

Moldova has opened its doors to approximately 40,000 Roma citizens from Ukraine since February 24, 2022, offering them refuge from the conflict in their home country. However, a recent report by ERGO Network, together with our member organisation in Moldova Roma Women Platform ROMNI, highlights the numerous challenges and hardships that these vulnerable Roma refugees continue to encounter in their new host nation.

As of the most recent data available, Moldova is now home to around 5,000 Roma refugees, with an additional 2,000 residing in Transnistria. Women constitute approximately 35% of this population, while men make up 10%, leaving the rest as children and youth. These numbers are subject to change due to fluctuating financial situations and the support available from local authorities and organizations.

Battling Discrimination

Historically, Roma has faced discrimination and antigypsyism. Language barriers and a lack of identity documents further contribute to their difficulties. Even in times of peace, Roma often encounter obstacles, and during times of conflict, their needs are exacerbated. They often do not receive the same level of compassion, services, or rights as other refugees, and more traditional Roma families face even greater hardships.

The social distance index underscores that Roma refugees are among the least tolerated groups in Moldova. The situation for the Roma community is particularly complex due to differences in language, traditions, appearance, and religion when compared to other refugee groups and the larger population. Reports of intimidation and discrimination against Roma refugees by Moldovan authorities, locals, and even other refugee groups have added to their challenges.

Interviews and discussions with public authorities and non-governmental organizations reveal that Roma refugees are often indirectly accused of not being Ukrainian, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the Roma community during crises and underscoring the need for targeted assistance and protection.

Disparities in Housing

Moldova’s national authorities have established 136 Refugee Accommodation Centres (RACs) across the country, with 60 remaining active as of April 25, 2023, to provide refugee shelter. However, the challenges facing Roma refugees are starkly evident. They are often separated from Ukrainian refugees and face difficulties being accepted by centre administrators. The conditions in these centres, particularly early on, were deplorable, with inadequate food, insufficient bedding, and limited facilities.

Despite the efforts of international organisations to improve conditions across Moldova’s RACs, including the segregated ones, Roma refugees struggle to access necessary services. There is a notable disparity between the treatment of Roma refugees and other refugee categories in terms of living conditions, food, access to aid, location, infrastructure, and medical and educational services.

Concerns in Education

Approximately 80% of Ukrainian Roma refugees in Moldova are either illiterate or have limited education. This lack of education significantly hampers their ability to meet basic needs, access services, and secure employment in the Moldovan labour market. Negative stereotypes and prejudices only compound the problem, making it difficult for those with limited education to find work in a new country.

Addressing the educational needs of refugee children from Ukraine has been a crucial development. The Crisis Management Centre (CUGC) issued a provision requiring the enrolment of foreign refugee children in educational institutions. It tasked the Ministry of Education and Research with developing the enrolment mechanism. This allowed all children from Ukrainian refugee families, regardless of their asylum seeker status, to participate in educational activities without the obligation to attend compulsory school or take exams.

Notably, the status of refugee children as auditors in educational institutions remains valid until the child’s legal representatives submit an application for temporary protection within the Republic of Moldova. Once temporary protection status is granted, it becomes crucial to establish clear mechanisms for the integration of refugee children into educational institutions.

Unfortunately, the number of families with temporary protection status remains low, thus also impacting children’s education. An additional challenge is created by the lack of suitable clothes, shoes, school supplies and transport facilities between the school and the centres where the refugees live.

Healthcare Challenges

Healthcare provision for displaced persons from Ukraine remains a challenge, particularly in Temporary Accommodation Centres and rented accommodations. Access to medical care, medicines, and medical devices is inadequate, with a greater impact on vulnerable groups such as children and those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. The situation is particularly dire for Roma refugees, with deficiencies in medical supplies and essential care noted in certain centres.

Previously, a set of provisions granted displaced persons free primary and emergency healthcare, medical assistance, and services for chronic diseases, but these were revoked. Now, basic healthcare access requires being a beneficiary of temporary protection or an asylum seeker, a condition unattainable for most Roma refugees. This creates a pressing need for medicines, medical devices, and surgical interventions to respect human dignity and prevent severe consequences.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is crucial in supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, irrespective of their legal status. UNHCR provides this assistance and helps vulnerable families meet their basic needs, mitigate protection risks, and stimulate the local economy. Each member of a refugee family is entitled to financial aid, with regular renewals through personal verification.

Registration for financial assistance occurs through personal verification at registration centres in various cities. While eight centres operate in Moldova, there is a gap in coverage in Transnistria.

Measures to Support Roma

The Roma Task Force (RTF) brings together various groups to address the needs of Roma refugees. They work on discrimination, healthcare and education access, paperwork difficulties, and cultural awareness.

The shift to temporary protection reveals the need for online support. The application process requires skills to navigate official sites and fill out required forms and documentation, where many Roma face challenges due to illiteracy. Temporary protection initially lasts for one year but can be extended up to two years if needed.

As of May 22, 2023, applications for temporary protection were in process, even for minor children. A significant challenge in implementing temporary protection is obtaining proof of residence, causing difficulties for applicants and posing a barrier to those who intend to apply. Miscommunication and reliance on property owners or managers to obtain proof of residence further complicate the situation for refugees.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Moldova’s response to the influx of Roma refugees from Ukraine has been marked by a series of challenges, ranging from issues in housing and education to healthcare and financial assistance. The report underscores the need for targeted support and protection for the vulnerable Roma community in Moldova. It highlights areas where improvements are necessary to ensure the well-being and integration of these refugees into Moldovan society.

Moldova and the international community must continue supporting and protecting this vulnerable community. The plight of Ukrainian Roma refugees serves as a stark reminder of the inequalities and prejudices that persist in times of crisis and the urgent need for collective action to address them.