On November 25, 2025, representatives of Comrat State University participated in the Scientific Conference of the Sergio Vieira de Mello Academic Network (SVMAC), organized by UNHCR Moldova and the CDA Center of Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University. The conference presented the results of research projects aimed at strengthening an inclusive academic environment and increasing universities’ readiness to work with vulnerable groups.
Professor, Dr. Habil. Alla Levitskaia took part in the panel discussion “Inclusive Academic Environment: The Future for Displaced Persons in Moldova” with the presentation:
“Integration of Refugee Students into the University Environment of Moldova: Results of the DiVersiUni Project.”
In her speech, Prof. Levitskaya presented the key findings of the DiVersiUni project, which focused on analyzing:
- factors hindering the academic, social, and cultural integration of refugee students;
- the level of awareness and attitudes of Moldovan students toward refugees;
- institutional barriers requiring solutions at the university level.
These goals fully align with the mission of the SVMAC academic network to promote inclusiveness, social cohesion, and the protection of displaced persons.
Proposed measures to improve integration:
- development of linguistic, academic, psychological, and financial support;
- involvement of refugee students in student councils, clubs, and activities;
- implementation of an inter-university “government – universities – NGOs” platform;
- appointment of university integration coordinators;
- systematic monitoring of perceptions and integration dynamics.
The research conducted by the CSU team, together with representatives of Cahul State University and the Public Centers of Cahul and Comrat, was recognized as one of the most significant examples of successful academic initiatives contributing to evidence-based support measures for refugee students in Moldova.
The conference also featured the project:
“From Theory to Practice: Moldova's Legal and Institutional Readiness to Host Refugees After 2022.”
The project aims to assess Moldova’s readiness to host refugees in the context of large-scale displacement caused by the war in Ukraine. It analyzes current legal, procedural, and institutional protection mechanisms; regulatory gaps; operational challenges; and interagency cooperation practices, as well as compliance with European standards. The methodology includes legal analysis, expert consultations, and comparison with European practices.
Expected results: strengthening academic knowledge in migration management and human rights protection; developing recommendations for system modernization; increasing resilience and humanitarian capacity; and creating more effective support mechanisms for people needing international protection.
Project team:
Igor Yanak — Doctor of Law, CSU lecturer, lawyer, Chair of the NGO “Choice and Alternative for Gagauzia”;
Sergiu Roșca — PhD candidate in Political Science (UNWE, Bulgaria), CSU graduate;
Nicolae Keleș — human rights lawyer.
