Attachments
Key figures
172,475 refugees obtained temporary protection in Romania (as of 30 September 2024).
16,611 refugees enrolled for cash assistance in 2024.
21,346 refugees provided with protection counselling services and legal support since January 2024.
8,295 refugees supported with livelihood and employment services since January 2024.
Highlight
On 4 November, the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB) closed after hosting hundreds of refugees from Ukraine for more than two and a half years.
Over the past week, all refugees were able to find different solutions depending on their specific needs and vulnerabilities, such as collective accommodation centres or private apartments. UNHCR, together with Association 4 Change and local authorities, supported the relocation of 105 refugees from Ukraine following the closure announcement. UNHCR supported the refugees accommodated there with core relief items and some vulnerable refugees with cash assistance. Since February 2024, UNHCR has provided financial support to cover costs for the NGO staff assisting refugees at UTCB, and for maintenance and cleaning of the shelter. In addition, UNHCR and its partners have provided various services and support, including counselling, interpretation, and accompaniment for medical checkups and enrolment for social protection benefits for the most vulnerable refugees hosted there. Over the past months, UNHCR noted a gradual decrease in collective accommodations available for refugees which is an increasing concern for the most vulnerable refugees during the winter.
Humanitarian Response and Advocacy
On 30 October, UNHCR facilitated a visit by a delegation from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Romania led by Ms. Hinke Nauta, Deputy Head of Mission, to the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) in Timisoara. During the visit, the delegation learned about the various services offered by UNHCR and AIDRom IOM in coordination with the General Inspectorate of Immigration (GII). UNHCR, together with GII conducted a presentation on ETC's premises. The delegation also met with the refugees hosted temporarily in the centre. Currently, there are 114 refugees from various countries of origin, including Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, awaiting departure to a third country. So far in 2024, 438 people have been accommodated and supported at the ETC.
On 30 October, UNHCR Representative Mr. Pablo Zapata delivered remarks at the "Protection of the Rights of Refugee and Migrant Children in Romania – Challenges and Solutions" conference organised by Terre des Homme in Bucharest. UNHCR also led a session on child protection standards. 50 participants, including key stakeholders such as representatives from civil society organizations and the authorities came together to discuss child protection principles.
On 29 October, UNHCR organized a round table in Baia Mare (Northern Romania) in collaboration with the local organizations in Maramures for the Ukraine refugee response. The event counted with the participation of 20 individuals from YMCA, City Makers, Save the Children, Red Cross Maramureș, Caritas Maramureș, ASSOC, JRS,
CNRR Sighetu Marmației, Somaschi Foundation, and WHO . It offered a space to address challenges faced by forcibly displaced people and to identify potential solutions.
During the week, UNHCR conducted a two-day training session on asylum procedures in Romania for 18 staff from the Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR). The training focused on the work of legal counsellors in Romania’s six reception centres, strengthening skills and providing a space for the exchange of good practices.
UNHCR continues to enrol refugees from Ukraine in its cash-for-winter programme. So far, UNHCR has enrolled nearly 300 individuals through five enrolment centres located in Bucharest, Brasov, Constanta, Galati and Suceava. Eligible refugees will receive RON 720 (US$ 158) for their urgent needs to prepare for the harsh winter.