Attachments
Highlight
Throughout December, thanks to the additional support received from our donors, UNHCR will expand its Cash for Winter Programme to assist the most vulnerable refugees in Romania. Approximately 1,000 refugees from Ukraine will receive a one-off payment of 720 RON (160 USD) per person to help them to cover for essential winter expenses such as rent, medical and seasonal expenses. In 2024, UNHCR enrolled over 17,000 refugees from Ukraine through its various cash assistance programmes.
Humanitarian Response and Advocacy
On 26 November, the Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce hosted a conference bringing together experts in diversity, inclusion, and human resources to explore ways to improve recruitment methods for people of all age. UNHCR Representative, Mr Pablo Zapata, delivered keynote remarks and emphasized the importance of integrating older refugees into the labour market, highlighting their networks, valuable experience, and diverse skills, despite potential language barriers. The conference also featured presentations from industry leaders, including representatives from companies like Kaufland, Primark, Orange, and Google, who shared insights on inclusive hiring policies.
On 25 November, UNHCR in Constanta and Sensiblu Foundation launched the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with a presentation and gender information session for 25 refugees from Ukraine. As part of the campaign, on 28 November, 11 refugee men from Ukraine participated in a men’s group session titled “Men in the Mirror: Strength Through Understanding”, facilitated by UNHCR and Sensiblu. The session provided a space for self-reflection, raising awareness and developing strategies to address the root causes of violence.
On 27 November, UNHCR Representative, Pablo Zapata presented the refugee response in Romania to around 20 students from the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work at the University of Bucharest. During the event titled “1,000 Days Since the LargeScale Invasion of Ukraine” Mr Zapata explained on how activities of stakeholders, such as authorities, partners and NGOs were supporting since the inclusion of refugees from Ukraine into the Romanian society. In addition, UNHCR Representative highlighted the ongoing needs of displaced people, especially with the approaching winter and attacks on critical infrastructures in Ukraine. All the students actively participated in the discussion, showing interest in activities of UNHCR and partners.
On 26 November, UNHCR together with the Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR), conducted an interregional visit to the Siret Border Crossing Point (BCP) between Ukraine and Romania. The visit included a meeting with the legal partner, Right to Protection, based in Ukraine, to exchange best practices, share information and discuss the current context of refugee protection at the border.
On 28 November, UNHCR together with CNRR organised a seminar in Sinaia on "Specialized Legal Assistance for Asylum Seekers and Beneficiaries of International Protection in Romania." The event, attended by 32 participants, brought together legal representatives from the child protection authority (DGASPCs) and the General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII). The seminar focused on enhancing professionals' capacity to work with unaccompanied and separated children in need of international protection. UNHCR facilitated sessions on refugee protection principles and the best interests of the child, discussing key issues such as trained interpreters, cultural awareness, and child-friendly materials, which were also shared with participants.