Attachments
UN agencies and NGOs work together in support of the national refugee response under the framework of the Refugee Response Plan (RRP), through the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF), and sectoral working groups. Since 24 February 2022, more than 6.3 million people from Ukraine have sought refuge across Europe. As of 30 March 2025, the Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) reported that 182,948 Ukrainians and third country nationals obtained temporary protection in Romania, which provides access to healthcare, education, and the labour market. Since the beginning of the year, many of the 42 RRP partners have reported operational disruptions, mainly due to funding constraints. Over the past three months, informal enquiries revealed that 33 per cent of RRP partners have delayed implementation of programs, 31 per cent have reduced services, 17 per cent have suspended activities. One partner ceased operations entirely. Given the informal nature of data collection, the Inter-Agency team launched a more formal survey and funding tracking exercise, with results expected by mid-April. The results of the survey will help to inform fundraising efforts to ensure continued provision of essential support to refugees. On 5 March, members of the Suceava Refugee Inclusion Working Group comprising of local authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs held a meeting at which the Centre for Comparative Migration Studies (CSCM) presented the findings of the Suceava areabased assessment, providing a comprehensive overview of the humanitarian situation in the county. The data collection for this exercise was a joint effort by several members of the Working Group including local social services, child protection services, and NGOs. The Working Group also updated local service mapping and discussed plans. Key action points were the formation of a taskforce to draft terms of reference and a work plan, and the initiation of discussions on electing a local co-chair for the working group. These efforts will facilitate coordination of the working group, promote localization, and facilitate timely referrals and access to services, as members strive to continue supporting the inclusion of refugees. On March 5, Constanța Prefecture held a quarterly Local Integration Team meeting bringing together representatives from public institutions, including the County School Inspectorate (ISJ), Department of Social Services (DAS), General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC), General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) for Constanța and Galați counties, the local Health Insurance House (CAS), the National Employment Agency (AJOFM), National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection (AJPIS), the Department of Public Health, and the Border Police. NGOs and UN agencies present included CNRR, JRS Romania, UNHCR, World Vision. Discussions focused on the integration of refugees and migrants in Constanța County. As a result of the meeting, a series of follow-up actions were initiated, including coordination with CAS to improve refugees' access to medical services— particularly through clarifying procedures in the Single Integrated Information System (SIUI) and raising awareness among family doctors. Local authorities and NGOs also reinforced joint efforts to address labour market access barriers and to support school inclusion of refugee children through remedial education and community-based activities. On 31 March, Galați Prefecture hosted a Local Integration Team meeting with local authorities together with JRS Romania, and UNHCR. Each institution shared updates on child protection, access to health services, social benefits, employment, and integration activities. Key concerns included the lack of access to benefits for unaccompanied minors due to legislative gaps, limited access to healthcare for individuals under temporary protection, and the continued challenges refugees face in entering the labour market. Despite having professional backgrounds, many struggle to find employment due to language barriers, lack of document recognition, and limited job opportunities that match their qualifications. In response, local stakeholders agreed to strengthen institutional coordination through the Local Support Team framework. DAS and DGASPC will collaborate to facilitate access to social benefits for unaccompanied minors, and a follow-up meeting will be organized by the end of April to discuss the organization of Romanian language courses in Galați and the scheduling of a certification exam to support access to education and employment.