The Republic of Moldova and the ICRC sign Headquarters Agreement
This agreement formalizes the relations the ICRC has had with the country and will allow it to carry forward a range of humanitarian activities.
The agreement was signed by the State Secretary of Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, Corina Ajder and the Head of Delegation for ICRC in Moldova, Doris El Doueihy.
This is an important date to mark in the relations between the ICRC and the Republic of Moldova. This headquarters agreement will help us embark on a new chapter that enhances our dialogue and collaboration towards a more impactful response for vulnerable populations in need. We are grateful for the support we have received from the government and remain committed to further strengthen our partnership in supporting people affected by critical humanitarian issues, said Doris El Doueihy.
The headquarters agreement establishes the organization's legal status in the country as well as the privileges and immunities of the organization. It also sets out a framework for relations between the ICRC and the authorities of the country concerned, enabling it to carry out its mandate.
"The presence of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the Republic of Moldova is essential for our state and the refugee crisis which we have been facing for almost a year has been showing this. With the aid of the document signed today, we are laying the foundations of a collaboration with an organization of international rank, whose aim is to provide humanitarian assistance to people in dire situations and to promote the principles of international humanitarian law", said Corina Ajder, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes respect for international humanitarian law. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The ICRC is present in more than 90 countries around the world.
While the ICRC has been undertaking activities in Moldova for almost three decades, it established its presence as a delegation in March 2022 to respond to the humanitarian needs arising from the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict. The delegation focuses on the promotion of respect for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and reduction of protection risks resulting from the crisis including continued access to medical care and providing family-links services.