Attachments
Key Figures
- 182,347 refugees obtained temporary protection and refugee status in Romania (as of end February 2025).
- 2,750 refugees enrolled for cash assistance in 2025; 17,419 in 2024.
- 4,647 refugees provided with protection counselling services and legal support in 2025; 26,086 in 2024.
- 1,864 refugees supported with livelihood and employment services in 2025; 9,286 in 2024.
Highlight
On 15 April, UNHCR Representative, Mr. Pablo Zapata, met with the Minister of Education and Research, Professor Daniel David, to explore ways to better integrate refugees into the national education system. In particular, the auditor’s system currently in place was discussed, including on best practices for advancing towards more structured teaching of Romanian to foreign students. The discussion aimed on creating inclusive opportunities that can positively transform the lives of refugee children and youth, ensuring they have access to quality education and a sense of belonging. UNHCR expressed strong support for this goal, including through initiatives like the “Teaching about Refugees” programme—which was presented to the Minister—which equips educators and communities with the tools needed to foster understanding and inclusion.
Humanitarian Response and Advocacy
On 16 April, UNHCR, in collaboration with its partner World Vision, held the monthly Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion (LEI) working group meeting in a hybrid format, bringing together 31 participants—12 in person at RomExpo Community Centre and 19 online. The meeting focused on strengthening existing collaboration among public, private and NGO sectors to enhance economic inclusion opportunities for refugees in Romania. Highlights included presentations from the RDCC and Jobs4Ukraine, updates on UNHCR’s regional Refugee Employment Platform and insights from refugee entrepreneurs who shared challenges and successes in building businesses locally.
On 12-13 April, Malva, a refugee-led organisation, hosted a craft fair in Bucharest to support refugees from Ukraine, marking three years of aiding vulnerable individuals. The Easter-themed event featured food stands, handmade goods, children’s books, master classes and entertainment, fostering a joyful, supportive atmosphere for both refugees and the local community. Funds raised will support Malva’s efforts to help refugees from Ukraine integrate into Romanian society and recover from the trauma of the conflict in Ukraine. Malva’s 2025 appeal within the Refugee Response Plan (RRP) aims to assist over 1,300 of the most vulnerable refugees from Ukraine in Bucharest.
On 16 and 17 April, UNHCR participated in Easter celebrations organized by its partners, the Civic Resource Centre and World Vision, in Constanta. Around 70 children and numerous families took part in these vibrant events, which featured creative workshops, sports, games, music and family-friendly activities. These gatherings offered much more than entertainment, as they provided a safe, supportive space for refugees from Ukraine to connect, heal and regain a sense of normalcy.