03/03/2026
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The Estonian Refugee Council is preparing to support people affected by the war in the Middle East and neighbouring countries in response to the growing humanitarian needs in the region.
Following the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran over the weekend, the situation has escalated into a regional war in the Middle East, placing millions of civilians at risk. Large-scale strikes inevitably result in civilian casualties and the destruction of vital infrastructure — including hospitals, electricity networks and water supply systems.
The overburdening of healthcare systems, shortages of medicines, and disruptions to water and food supplies rapidly create life-threatening conditions even for those not directly in areas of active hostilities. The destruction of infrastructure triggers displacement and may lead to a new wave of refugees into neighbouring countries, many of which are already hosting millions of people who have fled previous conflicts.
The widening of hostilities further deepens the crisis of an already overstretched humanitarian system across the region. The impact is most severe on children, older people and those living with chronic illnesses, for whom interruptions in medical treatment or access to safe drinking water can be fatal. A peaceful resolution of the situation and respect for international agreements are essential to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of human suffering.
02/03/2026
Estonian Refugee Council joins international network connecting UN agencies and expert rosters
Estonian Refugee Council has joined the Standby Partnership Network (SPB Network) – an international network that brings together UN agencies and humanitarian expert rosters from around the world. It strengthens the organisation’s international role and enables it to contribute more systematically to responding to global crises.
23/02/2026
Ukrainian musician on a train to Kharkiv: thoughts on war, home, and safety
24 February 2026, marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. That is almost one and a half thousand days of fear, uncertainty, and instability. During this time, millions of Ukrainians have had to adapt to attacks and extreme conditions, and for many, even leave their homes. Kristin Västra, private donations specialist at the Estonian Refugee Council, spoke with young Ukrainian musician Bohdana on a train to Kharkiv at the end of January about what the war means for Ukrainians and how they are coping.
20/02/2026
Group meetings give refugees a sense of security and help restore emotional balance
Last year, a total of 60 people with a refugee background in Estonia took part in group meetings based on the MindSpring method, organised by the Estonian Refugee Council. The meetings, attended by both young people and adults, provided participants with the confidence needed to cope better in a new country.
19/02/2026
Overview of the Estonian Refugee Council's Activities in January
In Estonia, we are collecting donations to purchase generators, fuel, and other essential items for crisis and evacuation centres, so that they can continue their work under extreme conditions.
Part of the campaign, on 26 and 28 February, charity group winter swimming events in support of Ukraine will take place in Tallinn, at Logisaun and Lennusulpsus respectively. Further information is available on Pagulasabi’s website and Facebook page.
As of the end of January, we have provided cash assistance in Ukraine to more than 317,000 people, totalling over €59 million.
In Ukraine, we conducted a series of online business training sessions for nearly 280 entrepreneurs in vulnerable situations, helping those affected by the war to create sustainable sources of income.
In Estonia, 190 people participated in adaptation training sessions. Courses on residence permits continued to generate the greatest interest.
In Armenia, in Yerevan and Abovyan, two new groups began an 8-day programme supporting the mental wellbeing of people with a refugee background and providing practical skills for independent living.
12/02/2026
A challenge for Ukraine – charity winter swimming
February marks four years since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, and this winter has been exceptionally difficult for Ukrainians due to intensified Russian attacks and severe weather conditions. The Estonian Refugee Council is organising a winter swimming challenge in support of Ukraine to raise awareness of the extreme conditions people are facing and to collect donations to support those affected.
29/01/2026
Psychological Counsellor from Ukraine: People’s Emotions Range from Anger to Apathy, Depression, and Even Suicidal Thoughts
Amid the ongoing war and displacement, access to mental health support can be life-saving. In cooperation with the Ukrainian National Psychological Association, the Estonian Refugee Council relaunched its mental health support hotline last spring, offering psychological assistance to Ukrainians in Ukraine and across 20 other European countries. One of the hotline’s consultants, Olena Bohdan, shares her story of supporting others while navigating the personal hardships of war herself.
28/01/2026
War through the Eyes of a Helpline Counsellor: Olha’s Fight for the Mental Health of Fellow Citizens
In the midst of ongoing war and mass displacement, access to mental health support can be a lifeline. Last spring, in collaboration with the Ukrainian National Psychological Association, the Estonian Refugee Council relaunched its mental health support hotline, providing psychological assistance to Ukrainians both in Ukraine and across 20 other European countries. Olha, one of the helpline’s consultants, opens up about her work helping others while confronting the personal challenges brought on by the war.
21/01/2026
URGENT APPEAL: Freezing temperatures and attacks continue in Ukraine – vital help needed
Russian forces are systematically targeting energy infrastructure across the country, president Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the energy sector. Electricity supply is unreliable, with frequent power outages, leaving many homes barely warmer than the winter streets outside. Temperatures remain bitterly cold, dropping as low as -20°C in some areas.
20/01/2026
Overview of the Estonian Refugee Council's Activities in December
With the support of donors in Estonia, we raised €30,000 to provide winter heating assistance to families living near the front lines in Ukraine.
On 6 December, the Estonian Refugee Council celebrated 25 years of supporting people who have lost their homes and sense of security. Over this time, we have supported more than 470,000 people affected by crises.
In Estonia, more than 300 people participated in adaptation training, and over 330 people took part in community activities in December.
In Ukraine, we supported more than 170 families in Dnipropetrovska and Zaporizhzhia oblasts with cash-based livestock livelihoods support.
Since October, nearly 4,290 families in frontline and hard-to-reach areas of Eastern and Southern Ukraine – including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts – have received winter heating assistance.
In Georgia, we provided winter livelihoods support to 515 people who fled Ukraine, helping them cover their basic needs during the colder months.
In Syria, we distributed cash-based humanitarian assistance to 65 people in the Latakia region to help alleviate the consequences of the summer wildfires.
22/12/2025
Supporting Environmental Education in Rural Armenia
Thanks to the environmental education programme by the Estonian Refugee Council, students at three schools in the Tavush region of Armenia can now learn sustainable agricultural methods and contribute to environmental protection through their daily practices. Hydroponic greenhouses and composting facilities have been established at the schools, and the environmental education of the students is actively supported.