The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in the Republic of Moldova in 1997 to support the Government to introduce legislative and procedural structures required to assist persons in need of international protection pursuant to international standards.

As of 01 January 2003, 688 cases (951 persons) have been registered with UNHCR in Moldova since the creation of the office in 1997, out of which 123 cases (266 persons) were recognized as refugees, 125 cases (136 persons) were rejected in first instance and 52 cases (56 persons) were rejected in appeal.

On 23 November 2001 the Republic of Moldova passed a law by which it accedes to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. By acceding to the Convention, the Republic of Moldova became the 142nd State Party that assumed the responsibility to protect refugees pursuant to international standards.

In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote solutions to their problems, UNHCR works in partnership with government and its Implementing Partners: Save the Children, Charity Centre for Refugees, Law Centre for Advocates and Society for Refugees.