From 7 to 11 October 2026, representatives of the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV) and BaltHUB participated in the annual ILGA-Europe Conference in Dublin, Ireland. This year’s event marked the organisation’s 30th anniversary and brought together more than 400 activists, human rights defenders, civil society representatives, and LGBTI+ allies from Europe and Central Asia.

Under the theme “Resist and Rise,” the conference highlighted the importance of solidarity, resilience, and collective action in response to growing challenges facing human rights and civil society.

For EHPV, participation provided an opportunity to contribute to European discussions, share Estonia’s experience, and strengthen international partnerships in human rights, public health, and equal access to essential services.

Human Rights and the Resilience of Civil Society

The conference addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing LGBTI+ communities and civil society organisations across the region.

Discussions focused on the shrinking space for non-governmental organisations, increasing pressure on human rights defenders, discrimination, and the need to ensure sustainable support for communities facing social exclusion.

Participants also discussed developments affecting LGBTI+ rights in different countries, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and coordinated responses to discrimination and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

These conversations reinforced an essential principle: protecting human rights requires not only advocacy and policy discussions, but also practical mechanisms that help people access safety, healthcare, social services, and support without discrimination.

Supporting Ukrainian Refugees Through Regional Cooperation

Support for Ukrainian refugees remains an important part of EHPV’s work.

Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and the resulting displacement have created additional challenges for people who need medical, psychological, social, and legal assistance.

These challenges can be particularly significant for LGBTI+ people, people living with HIV, women with children, and others who may experience additional barriers when accessing services.

For these communities, access to confidential, inclusive, and non-discriminatory support is essential.

Through regional cooperation within BaltHUB, EHPV works alongside partners in Lithuania and Latvia to develop practical solutions that respond to the needs of Ukrainian refugees across the Baltic countries.

One of the key initiatives supporting this work is RefAid BaltHUB — Digital and Peer-Led Support for the Integration and Reintegration of Ukrainian Refugees in the Baltic States.

The project is implemented by EHPV in Estonia in partnership with Association Demetra in Lithuania and AGIHAS in Latvia.

RefAid BaltHUB combines several approaches to support, including peer counselling, psychosocial assistance, legal and service navigation, referrals to healthcare and social services, and the development of multilingual digital support tools.

These digital solutions include a chatbot and an information platform designed to help people find relevant services and understand available support options.

The project aims to provide direct assistance to at least 500 Ukrainian refugees across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with particular attention to people facing additional barriers to accessing essential services.

From International Solidarity to Local Action

For EHPV and BaltHUB, international cooperation is not limited to conferences and professional networking.

It is also about translating shared values into practical support for people experiencing difficult life circumstances.

The experience exchanged at international events can help organisations strengthen partnerships, improve service delivery, identify emerging challenges, and develop more inclusive approaches to community support.

This is particularly important when working with people who may face overlapping challenges related to displacement, health, discrimination, or social exclusion.

Participation in the ILGA-Europe Conference also strengthened EHPV’s connections with the European human rights movement and highlighted the importance of approaches that bring together HIV-related services, LGBTI+ rights, and refugee support.

Solidarity Means Taking Action

The discussions in Dublin served as a reminder that solidarity must extend beyond shared principles.

It requires continuous cooperation, trust between organisations, sustainable partnerships, and practical solutions that respond to people’s real needs.

Through RefAid BaltHUB, EHPV and its partners continue working to make support for Ukrainian refugees in the Baltic countries more accessible, confidential, inclusive, and responsive to individual circumstances.

Solidarity is not only about shared values. It is about everyday work, meaningful partnerships, and concrete support for people.

Alati positiivne. Always positive.