Estonian Refugee Council has been protecting refugees' rights and well-being through advocacy since 2001.

The programme aims to protect the rights and well-being of refugees through upholding and monitoring international law, promoting adopting evidence-based and effective practices, and participating in sectoral discussions and legislative processes.

In 2022, we were primarily engaged in advocacy on the topic of the reception of Ukrainian refugees. We helped ensure access to protection status and necessary services. We participated in relevant working groups and coordination bodies where we shared best practices and drew attention to service gaps and challenges through the eyes of refugees.

In addition, we helped to ensure that the problems associated with the amendment of the State Border Act and the contradiction with international law received sufficient attention in the Estonian parliament and the public. To this end, together with the Human Rights Center, we submitted our objections to the law amendment and raised the issue at advocacy meetings and in public.

Within the advocacy programme, we cooperate closely with other human rights protection organisations in Estonia and the European umbrella organisation European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE).