From Crisis to Care: A Conversation about Caritas Moldova’s Sphere-Driven Humanitarian Response

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Caritas Moldova has played a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to displaced people. As a Sphere Focal Point, they have been leading efforts to ensure that aid is delivered in line with global standards. Sphere spoke with Diana Antir from Caritas Moldova (CM) to learn more about their journey and the impact of applying the Sphere Standards.

Q: Since becoming a Sphere Focal Point in 2022, how has Caritas Moldova’s approach to humanitarian work evolved?

CM: Becoming a Focal Point has allowed us to deepen our understanding of how to deliver effective and dignified humanitarian assistance. We have integrated Sphere Standards across all aspects of our work, from shelter and WASH to mental health and protection services. Our focus has been on meeting both the immediate needs of displaced populations and ensuring that they have the support to live with dignity.

Q: How did Caritas Moldova ensure a safe and dignified living space for refugees?

CM: We closely followed Sphere shelter standards when setting up refugee accommodations. For instance, when converting a parish house into a shelter, we organised the living spaces to prioritize privacy, safety, and comfort (⇒ Shelter and settlement 3: Living space, key actions). This included creating secure areas for families to perform essential domestic activities and maintain dignity in their new environment.

Q: What long-term solutions are you implementing for displaced families?

CM: We aim for sustainable solutions beyond immediate relief. We have established online classrooms for children to continue their education remotely and opened a kindergarten with Ukrainian-speaking educators. We also provide Romanian language classes to help children and adults integrate into Moldovan society. Additionally, we are developing a capacity building program for teachers and schools working with Ukrainian students.

Q: How has Caritas Moldova supported mental health needs in the refugee community?

CM: Mental health is a crucial component of our response. We’ve provided individual and group counselling sessions for both residents and staff at our shelters. These sessions have helped people cope with the trauma of displacement and begin the process of healing. This aligns with Sphere’s standards on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, ensuring that we address both physical and emotional needs (⇒ Health 2.5: Mental healthcare, key actions).

Q: What challenges were faced in applying Sphere Standards, and how have you overcome them?

CM: At the outset of our Ukraine emergency response, one challenge was ensuring people could access timely and effective assistance in line with their needs and priorities. We  have made great efforts to ensure people affected by the war know their rights; have access to information and assistance; participate in decisions that affect them; and feel comfortable to give feedback to us (⇒ Core Humanitarian Standard Commitment 5). Additionally, we faced challenges in protecting vulnerable groups, such as individuals with disabilities or specific medical needs. By systematically consulting people and assessing their unique vulnerabilities, we have been able to tailor our services accordingly.

Q: How have you collaborated with local authorities and service providers?

CM: By collaborating with existing service providers such as the Ministry of Social Protection and Labor, the Territorial Agencies of Social Assistance, and other Civil Society Organisations, we’ve been able to identify and reach the most vulnerable displaced people, especially from rural or remote communities, to support their livelihoods and protect local businesses. Our market analysis played a key role in determining the most effective ways to meet the needs of those affected by the conflict—whether through in-kind assistance, cash-based assistance, or service provision (⇒ Delivering assistance though markets)

Q: How did the Sphere Standards influence the humanitarian community in Moldova?

CM: There was very little awareness of Sphere Standards in Moldova before 2022. One reason is because we’d never before experienced an emergency of this scale. Having access to Sphere handbook in Romanian and Sphere Standards trainings (facilitated by Caritas Moldova), the humanitarian community acquired the knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes necessary to manage and carry out their work with quality and accountability.

Q: What are Caritas Moldova’s next steps?

CM: We remain committed to advocating for Sphere Standards nationally. In 2024, we translated key materials, including the Sphere Handbook Activity Cards, several videos, and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS 2024), into Romanian for better accessibility among public and private sector actors. Our aim is to ensure these standards guide humanitarian efforts throughout Moldova and more training workshops are planned!

Joining Sphere as a Focal Point in 2022, Caritas Moldova is dedicated to applying and promoting Sphere Standards in their response capabilities and enriching the broader humanitarian landscape in Moldova.

For more information visit https://spherestandards.org/countries/moldova/