The UNHCR has invited Moldovan couple Zaharii and Tatiana Arama to attend the 2024 Nansen Refugee Award ceremony in Geneva. The couple, who run a guesthouse in Palanca near the Ukrainian border, stepped in to provide hot meals and shelter to Ukrainian refugees crossing the border in 2022, just like many of their neighbors.
Renowned Moldovan soprano and UNHCR supporter Valentina Naforniță will perform on stage alongside the Aramă family at the ceremony on October 14. The couple will receive an honorable mention for embodying the solidarity, resilience, and humanitarian spirit of the Moldovan people in response to global challenges.
Recall that since the massive escalation of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, millions of people have sought refuge across borders to reach safety. Moldova, with a population of just 2.5 million, has generously welcomed over one million Ukrainian refugees, with 125,000 remaining in the country. Since the early days of the war, Moldovans have opened their doors and hearts, schools, and community spaces to those in need. Citizens, volunteers, and civil society organizations have played a vital role in Moldova’s humanitarian response, working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and emotional support to those fleeing the horrors of war.
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“The kindness and solidarity of the Moldovan people has been truly extraordinary. In the face of an unprecedented challenge, they did not hesitate to open their homes, share their food, and stand by families fleeing war. Moldova’s deep sense of humanity makes its response remarkable and is the reason behind this honorary mention. The compassion of the Moldovan people has changed lives and continues to inspire the world,” said Anne-Marie Deutschlander, UNHCR Representative in Moldova.
About the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
Named after the Norwegian humanitarian and diplomat Fridtjof Nansen, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award has since 1954 recognized individuals, groups, or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the protection and assistance of refugees, internally displaced persons, or stateless persons. The Honourable Mention to the Republic of Moldova recognizes the nation’s exemplary leadership and extraordinary humanitarian efforts in a crisis time.
The nomination period for the 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ran from January 24 to March 20, 2024. The Nansen Selection Committee selected the Moldovan people from hundreds of nominations worldwide, choosing winners based on the nominees’ impact, innovation, commitment to advocacy, and collaboration. While other nominees won global and regional awards in 2024, UNHCR’s Selection Committee has chosen to recognize the People of Moldova as an honorable mention for its exceptional contribution to refugee protection. UNHCR’s Nansen Refugee Award Selection Committee selects the Nansen winners each year through a confidential process.