Practical exercise in Ungheni

10 December 2015 a practical exercise took place in Ungheni to check the efficiency of Border Police representatives in case of a migrant, refugee immigration crisis. The simulation aimed to improve the professional skills, both theoretical and practical, in circumstances of a similar situation as the one faced by Europe in the recent months regarding the issue of migrants.

In the exercise were involved border guards, representatives of Civil Protection and Emergencies, the special National Army battalion "Fulger", the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Law Center of Advocates, the Charity Centre for Refugees and the Association “Ave Copiii”.

Excursion to Cricova

9 December was an excursion day to Cricova for a group of refugees. Charity Centre for Refugees supported by UNHCR Moldova organised a tour to one of the famous and popular tourist destinations in Moldova.

In a lively atmosphere the excursion was accompanied by a guide who explained the story of the winery along the centuries and it various functions in the Moldovan history. The tour also included the projection of a short movie promoting the image of Cricova’s winery. Refugees, EVS volunteers and staff went around the subterranean with a special train which added a special taste to the group trip being a special moment to share some time together in a relaxed way.

19th Winter Charity Bazaar

Sunday, 6 December took place an exclusive Christmas exhibition of handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional food, drinks, sweets and many other culinary goods within the 19th Winter Charity Bazaar organised by the International Women’s Club in Moldova.

The stalls of over 40 diplomatic missions attracted buyers with a variety of products that have not left anyone indifferent. Alongside the international representatives, Charity Centre for Refugees (CCR) also participated in the event as an implementing partner of UNHCR Moldova. The staff, EVS volunteers and some refugees helped to sell art crafts (Christmas cards, notebooks, trees, toys, etc.) handmade by refugees/asylum seekers all along the year in order to raise money for local charities.

Seminar on Human Trafficking

On 30 November, Charity Centre for Refugees hosted an informative session on risks and consequences of human trafficking organized by UNHCR Moldova.

Representatives of the Centre for Combating Human Trafficking (CCHT) and Border Police Department provided overall information on risks of trafficking, its consequences and the measures to be taken to deal with it.

UNHCR Moldova and its implementing partner CCR aimed at informing refugee community in Moldova about the dangers which may be provoked by violating human rights in this way. The meeting was also an occasion to share experience; indeed some of the refugees told to have been involved in human trafficking and asked support to the attending authorities.

Federica Pulcini – EVS volunteer from Italy at CCR

Meeting with UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Europe

UNHCR Regional Representative for Central Europe, Mrs. Montserrat Feixas Vihe, attended on 27 November, her first official visit to the UNHCR implementing partner Charity Center for Refugees (CCR) since the inclusion of the Republic of Moldova as part of UNHCR Regional Office of Central Europe.

UNHCR representatives were welcomed by CCR staff and a group of refugees, who after a short speech, were invited to ask questions. Main concerns raised among the attendances were the lack of medical and financial assistance. Participants asked for assistance to pay for university fees, receive support to find job opportunities and etc.