Attachments
Background: The Local Refugee Coordination Forum (LRCF) is a platform established in 2022 to ensure effective coordination among stakeholders involved in the refugee response at the local level in Moldova. In most locations the LRCF is co-chaired by UNHCR and the local authority, and operates under the structure of the Refugee Coordination Forum (RCF), which at the national level is chaired by UNHCR and was established to ensure coordination between government and stakeholders at all stages of the refugee response and widen the support base for refugees and members of host communities in the Republic of Moldova, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR).
As the refugee response transitions from an emergency phase, the RCF remains committed to facilitating the inclusion of refugees into national systems and communities where they live. Such an effort aims to foster refugees’ active participation in socio-economic development and achieve self-reliance. Additionally, the RCF seeks to support host communities, minimizing resource strain and enhancing resilience for future refugee influxes.
Recognizing the crucial role of local and regional governments, public institutions, and local actors as first responders and enablers of refugee integration, the LRCF has conducted a vital component on expanding the participation of local actors in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the refugee response.
To achieve the above, UNHCR, as co-chair of the LRCF, has signed partnership agreements with local and regional governments in Chisinau, Cahul, Ungheni, Otaci, Balti, Comrat, and Causeni to implement the Cities of Solidarity initiative (CoS). This initiative seeks to enhance forcibly displaced persons’ access to rights and services while strengthening the socio-economic capacities of host communities. As part of this initiative, UNHCR is organizing workshops with participant cities to draft Local Action Plans to advance the implementation of CoS in a contextual-relevant manner and serve as a tool to advance localization. These action plans will be drafted through consultative processes involving Local Public Authorities (LPA), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), INGOs, and UN agencies with a presence in the area, private sector, and academia.
In addition to the above, the LRCF has played a pivotal role in identifying needs and possible response strategies during the drafting of the Refugee Response Plan (RRP) for 2025-2026; this was made through the RRP Local Consultations conducted between July and August in Bati, Cahul, Causeni, Comrat, Otaci, Tiraspol and Ungheni. The involvement of local actors was essential during this process, especially considering the character of the 2025-2026 RRP and its aim to consolidate local capacities for LPA and local organizations to increasingly take the lead in coordinating the refugee response.
To further promote and strengthen the localization process across the country, a third co-chair from a local organization will be introduced to the LRCF. This initiative aims to enhance local ownership, empower local actors with greater responsibilities, and equip them with the necessary tools to respond effectively to the current and future contexts.