Romania

Romania

A beneficiary of HIAS Romania engages with a child during a children's session at the Inimă de Copil center on July 19, 2023. (Bill Swersey/HIAS)

Years Active

2022-2025

HIAS Romania has ceased operations

Due to the U.S. government’s decision to halt humanitarian assistance around the world, HIAS has been forced to cease our operations in Romania. This is not something we anticipated or wanted, and we recognize the profound impact this will have on the communities we serve. 
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Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, over 1 million Ukrainians have crossed the border into Romania. Most of them continued their journeys to other European countries, but around 100,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in Romania.

Launched in response to the large-scale displacement of Ukrainians, HIAS Romania quickly became a hub of hope and support for refugees in search of safety. From mental health services to economic empowerment and community-building efforts, the HIAS Romania team created lifesaving programs rooted in dignity and care.

10,800

people received services in 2023

Our Work

HIAS began operations in September 2022 to help refugees displaced by the Ukrainian crisis and support refugees in Romania more generally. HIAS Romania highlighted assistance in the areas of economic empowerment, prevention of violence against women and girls, and mental health care, as well as protection and food assistance. HIAS Romania worked closely with local partners and directly in underserved areas serving the biggest concentrations of refugees in the country, focusing primarily on community strengthening, integration, and self-reliance.

A HIAS staff member speaks with a woman and girl about HIAS' programs to address violence against women and girls. End Violence Against Women and Girls | HIAS

We help women and girls access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and engaging communities in change.

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Support Community Mental Health

HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

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Magdiel Galeano Gómez, a refugee from Nicaragua now living in Costa Rica, works on a product for his business, Jeff Creative. (SideXSide Studios/HIAS)

Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.

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A HIAS staff member speaks with a woman and girl about HIAS' programs to address violence against women and girls. End Violence Against Women and Girls | HIAS

We help women and girls access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and engaging communities in change.

Learn More

Impact Story

Thumbnail for the video "Returning from "Exile" to Serve Romania's Ukrainian Refugees"

Returning to Serve Romania’s Ukrainian Refugees

“When we think of refugees, we think of it as a temporary thing,” says Yiftach Millo, director of HIAS Romania. “But it can also mean displacement for a second or third generation.” 

 

For Millo, this point is more than just academic. Born in Israel, he is the son of Romanians who left during the mass deportation of the country’s Jewish population in 1941 and grew up listening to stories about the Danube and the Black Sea. Now, after a career working with refugees around the world, he has returned to a place that has loomed so large in his family’s history. 

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.

Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

Your gift will help us provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

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