In these difficult times, the Provincial Council of Maramures has taken measures in dealing with the massive number of refugees fleeing because of the war in Ukraine. Since last February, all the energies and efforts of the local community have been catalysed to organise activities and help refugees crossing over the Romanian borders in the town of Sighetu Marmației. This region has the longest border with Ukraine of all the provinces of Romania, more than 163.1 km, Maramureş being at the frontline of the Ukrainian crisis.
From the first moments of the Ukrainian crisis, Maramureş Provincial Council set up several actions, for instance: three centers were designated to receive donations from local, national and international donors in Baia Mare, Sighetu Marmației and Halmeu cities, which were shipped by trucks in Ukraine at twin-regions, Transcarpathia and Ivano-Frankivsk, which reached out to Romanian administrations for help; more than 55 trucks as humanitarian convoys with goods and first aid supplies were directed to the Ukrainian partners for the people in need through the Humanitarian HUBs located in Halmeu and Sighetu Marmației. In partnership with more than 30 local and international NG0s, including UNICEF, Red Cross and the local Child Protection service, established the first “Blue Dot – Integrated Centre of Assistance and Support” for the refugees and their children. Here they can ask for transport, accommodation, specialized psychological support for the youngsters and seniors, medical care and food. More than 5.000 refugees and 3.000 children have been helped thought this facility. Tents, containers and a Refugees Camp were deployed on the Local Stadium of Sighetu Marmației in partnership with the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the City Hall. Local and national companies offered the refugees accommodation, food, internet access to job offers with decent wages.