Assistance for Ukrainian Refugees from the CDA Lawyers’ Legal Center Regarding Asylum Issues
The CDA Lawyers’ Legal Center has issued an important message for displaced persons from Ukraine. Recently, there has been an increase in cases of criminal prosecution for illegal border crossing (Article 362 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova) involving forced migrants from Ukraine who crossed the border outside official checkpoints.
In this context, CDA emphasizes the following:
According to part 4 of Article 362 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova, this article does not apply to foreign citizens who arrived in the Republic of Moldova for the purpose of seeking asylum, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, or to victims of human trafficking.
Under the meaning of Law No. 270/2008 of the Republic of Moldova, the term “asylum” refers to a legal institution where the state provides protection to a foreigner by granting refugee status, or offering humanitarian, temporary protection, or political asylum.
Article 16 of Law No. 270/2008 defines temporary protection as one of the forms of protection provided within the Republic of Moldova.
The CDA Lawyers’ Legal Center considers it unacceptable to label individuals granted temporary protection (refugee status) or those applying for any form of protection as suspects or accused of a crime under Article 362 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova.
Important Information for Displaced Persons:
If needed, forced migrants from Ukraine can seek legal assistance from the CDA Lawyers’ Legal Center.
CDA HOTLINES:
- Asylum, temporary protection, legalization of stay in the Republic of Moldova: +373 60 57 48 48, +373 68 82 81 80
- Restoration or recognition of Moldovan citizenship, obtaining stateless status: +373 69 90 64 00
CDA Contacts:
Email: law-center@cda.md
Address: Vlaicu Pîrcălab Street 8, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, MD-2009
Website: www.cda.md