We provide immediate assistance in emergencies and support crisis-affected people in rebuilding their lives. Donate to help people in need: www.pagulasabi.ee/en/donatehttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mkajebty6k2xHonoured to share: the Open Estonia Foundation’s Concord Award goes to Eero Janson, Director of the Estonian Refugee Council 👏 Recognised for his leadership in supporting Ukraine and strengthening professional, people-centred humanitarian response in Estonia. Congrats, Eero! 📸 Masha Bakhtina24 Apr 2026 12:23 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mkajebty6k2xhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mk2uphhrik24🌍 Today is Earth Day. Climate change isn’t a future problem. It’s already affecting lives, especially in the most fragile regions. We see every day how environmental change can force people to leave home and start over. That’s why sustainability is part of our work.22 Apr 2026 06:30 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk2uphhrik24https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mjoeo6peuk2mHow do you build a sense of security in a new country where everything feels unfamiliar? Our monthly adaptation trainings turn confusion into confidence. Topics vary from using e-services to finding a job and navigating everyday life in Estonia.17 Apr 2026 07:11 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjoeo6peuk2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mixmkvvfls2jIn his TEDx talk, the Director of ERC, Eero Janson, challenges the way humanitarian organisations deliver aid today – which is better: cash or goods? 👉 Watch it here: https://youtu.be/L2vh_NbnOrc?si=NtGhnva062c9JIbL08 Apr 2026 06:01 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mixmkvvfls2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mikwi4f5us2wToday, many celebrate Easter with loved ones. But today also marks 1,500 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine – 1,500 days of war, loss and displacement. Nearly 5.9M Ukrainians have fled their homes. Over 10M will need humanitarian aid in 2026.03 Apr 2026 04:54 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mikwi4f5us2whttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mib3dr3b422b🌱 Students at 3 schools in Armenia’s Tavush region are learning sustainable farming through food cultivation and composting as part of their lessons. In March, we had experts from Estonian University of Life Sciences visiting to give tips 🤝30 Mar 2026 06:54 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mib3dr3b422bhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mhzxzc2frc2jToday, humanitarian aid is mostly cash-based, giving people the dignity to choose what they need most. It’s fast, efficient, and helps local markets recover. Since 2022, we have provided over €60 million in cash assistance to 323,700+ people in Ukraine to help them with basic needs.27 Mar 2026 11:06 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhzxzc2frc2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mhuykqdgbk2k🕯️ Today we mark the 77th anniversary of the March deportations. In 1949, over 90,000 people were forcibly removed from the Baltic states by Soviet authorities. In Estonia alone, more than 20,000 were sent to Siberia under harsh conditions — many children and elderly never returned.25 Mar 2026 11:33 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhuykqdgbk2khttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mhg5zl3l4225Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. 12M+ people displaced. 33M need aid – nearly 2/3 of the population. War has caused food shortages, blocked aid, broken healthcare. Millions lack basic services. Despite its scale, the crisis is underreported and must not be ignored.19 Mar 2026 14:00 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhg5zl3l4225https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mgwp56fsus2uThe Middle East is facing a highly complex and unstable crisis, with overlapping conflicts and political tensions. Nearly one million people in the region are currently internally displaced.13 Mar 2026 10:24 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgwp56fsus2uhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mgmqy2jhl22i✨ 45 generators ja 48 battery stations to Ukraine ✨ With support from Estonian people and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, generators and power banks have been delivered across Ukraine, including Donetsk, Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Kropyvnytskyi, and Mykolaiv regions!09 Mar 2026 11:30 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgmqy2jhl22ihttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mgkmcb5bgs2wMore than 122 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to crises, around half of them women and girls. On International Women’s Day, we support women affected by crises by promoting safety, opportunities, and a stronger voice in decisions that shape their lives.08 Mar 2026 15:01 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgkmcb5bgs2whttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mg63rglilc27ERC is preparing to support people in the Middle East and neighbouring countries in response to the growing humanitarian needs. US and Israeli strikes on Iran have escalated the situation into a regional conflict, putting millions of civilians at risk and damaging critical infrastructure.03 Mar 2026 15:34 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mg63rglilc27https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mg3jt4543s23📣 Estonian Refugee Council is now part of the Standby Partnership Network – a global network connecting UN agencies and humanitarian expert rosters.02 Mar 2026 15:07 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mg3jt4543s23https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mfbtdgm33c2wLast year, 60 people in 🇪🇪 took part in MindSpring group sessions – for both youth and adults – gaining a sense of security and new coping skills. What makes MindSpring unique? Sessions are led by trainers with similar experiences, backgrounds, and language, creating a safe, understanding space.20 Feb 2026 09:48 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mfbtdgm33c2whttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3meln2jxboc26While donating clothes, blankets, or food comes from the heart, modern humanitarian aid works differently. Cash-based assistance and local purchases get help to people faster, cheaper, and with dignity—while also supporting local economies.11 Feb 2026 13:57 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3meln2jxboc26https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3meimve6vk22sIn January, two new self-help groups launched in Yerevan and Abovyan with #EU funding and the support of ERC. The groups support people displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh as they adapt, share experiences, build coping skills, and focus on mental well-being. Funded by the European Union.10 Feb 2026 09:16 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3meimve6vk22shttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mdkjphosp22qOlha supports people every day as they live through war, loss, and prolonged, extremely stressful uncertainty. Olha’s work is centred on listening, understanding, and offering support at moments when fear, grief, and exhaustion become overwhelming.29 Jan 2026 09:59 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdkjphosp22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mdkjnckets2qUkrainians have been living under war for nearly 4 years — facing missile attacks, constant stress, loss, and uncertainty. Mental health is vital for coping, staying strong, and keeping families together.29 Jan 2026 09:58 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdkjnckets2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mdfdsr6c4c2nLast year, our Georgian team delivered a three-part capacity-building training for local civil society organisations. 👏 27 participants from 18 organisations strengthened their practical skills in regulatory compliance, M&E, NGO HR, fundraising, proposal writing, and financial management27 Jan 2026 08:30 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mdfdsr6c4c2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mcywl5gjhk2v‼️ Emergency in Ukraine: freezing temperatures and attacks continue We are raising funds for generators, fuel and essential supplies for evacuation centres in the Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions to support people fleeing the war. 🙏 Donate: www.pagulasabi.ee/donate22 Jan 2026 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcywl5gjhk2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mcjnnsoeg22yERC's monthly adaptation trainings help people with a refugee background gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life in Estonia. They will gain confidence and integrate more smoothly into a new society. 📅 See upcoming trainings: www.asyluminestonia.ee16 Jan 2026 08:12 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcjnnsoeg22yhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mcfd4chd3s2g‼️ Ukraine is facing an extremely critical situation. Systematic attacks on energy infrastructure have left large parts of the country without electricity and heating. In Kyiv alone, thousands of people are without heat. The forecast in some regions is –23°C, and weeks of extreme cold waits ahead.14 Jan 2026 14:53 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mcfd4chd3s2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mbvnxcywkk27In December, our Ukraine team with partner Shchedryk visited Novopavlivka, a frontline village in Kherson oblast. Never occupied but under constant attack, residents like 63-year-old Hanna survive on small pensions, gardens, and aid. We provided heating support that helps her survive the winter.08 Jan 2026 09:24 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mbvnxcywkk27https://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mb4dckmb6s2bStudents at three schools in Armenia’s Tavush region are learning sustainable farming through hydroponic greenhouses and composting, supported by the Estonian Refugee Council. 💧🌱 In water-scarce rural areas, practical environmental education helps build climate resilience and food security.29 Dec 2025 07:37 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mb4dckmb6s2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3maktknwcq22pThank you to everyone who has supported us this year and helped those who need it most. We wish you a peaceful holiday season and a more caring, hopeful New Year! 🌟22 Dec 2025 08:40 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3maktknwcq22phttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3mae5u2hxpc2oYoung Ukrainians in Estonia want to speak Estonian, but lack of practice and fear of mistakes hold them back. We organised more than 60 “invisible language learning” meetups – from board games and films to cooking and gingerbread decorating – to help them learn naturally through shared activities.19 Dec 2025 16:56 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3mae5u2hxpc2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3ma3qofejbc2gLast autumn, we teamed up with the Integration Foundation to host events across Estonia, helping refugees and migrants navigate daily life and get involved in their communities. We have explored art, music, local culture, mental health tips, financial skills, and even marzipan-making!16 Dec 2025 08:38 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3ma3qofejbc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3m7ml7rifik2e🌍 Today is International Human Rights Day. On this day in 1948, the UN adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Humanitarian aid helps ensure these rights are upheld even in crises. Everyone has the right to dignity, safety, and protection — no exceptions.10 Dec 2025 07:51 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7ml7rifik2ehttps://bsky.app/profile/estrefugeecouncil.bsky.social/post/3m7kkcn64x222“We somehow manage to stay alive and carry on with our lives. We heat our house with firewood – we need about 11 cubic metres for the whole winter – it is beyond my means. We dream of peace and for the war to end as soon as possible.” – Nina, pensioner from Lyzohubivka village, Kharkiv region09 Dec 2025 12:29 +0000at://did:plc:abjzbnxmo6tgcsrde523dgbu/app.bsky.feed.post/3m7kkcn64x222