In the face of ongoing significant reductions in the global funding for humanitarian aid, UNHCR wants to keep you updated on recent changes undergone in our programmes and presence in Romania. In this regard, we regret to inform you that some services have had to be scaled down or discontinued in certain locations. Yet, UNHCR Romania and our dedicated NGO partners remain committed to continuing providing support to refugees in Romania in the current circumstances.
As from 1st September, UNHCR will maintain its presence in Bucharest through its Country Office, and in Timisoara, with a reduced operational footprint. The Field Offices in Suceava and Constanta will close while NGO partners in Suceava, Constanța, Galati, and Brasov, will keep some essential services available. At the same time, programmes such as the distribution of core relief items and Romanian language classes will have to be discontinued, and others, such as cash assistance, have been temporarily suspended and will only be reactivated if more resources are made available.
Despite these constraints, our commitment to refugee protection and access to key services remains strong. In consultation with Romanian authorities, we are prioritizing essential services—such as legal assistance, child protection, access to employment, and community-based assistance. These priorities reflect what over 1,000 of you told us were most critical in our 2024 consultation.
Working alongside with other actors to find the support you need is more important than ever before. If a service is no longer available where you are, we encourage you to check the Services Advisor website (https://romania.servicesadvisor.net/en), which includes an interactive map of services provided by many organizations across Romania. You may find alternatives there that can help meet your current needs.
We will be sharing more targeted updates about specific programmes and locations in the weeks ahead. Your feedback and continued engagement are vital as we navigate this period together.
These are uncertain times, but none of us is alone. Together, we continue working for a future where all people—regardless of where they come from—can live in safety, dignity, and hope.
Thank you for your continued trust and understanding.