On 21 October 2026, representatives of the Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV) and BaltHUB met in Narva with Christian Veske, Estonia’s Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner.
The meeting focused on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, particularly in the border region of Ida-Viru County, as well as the protection of their rights, equal treatment, social integration, and access to healthcare and social services.
Equal Rights Must Work in Everyday Life
For people forced to leave Ukraine because of the war, reaching a safer country is only the beginning of a new and often challenging journey.
Adapting to life in Estonia involves navigating unfamiliar systems, accessing healthcare, understanding administrative procedures, finding social support, and rebuilding everyday stability.
These challenges can be particularly significant for people in vulnerable situations, including people living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals, women with children, and others who may face additional barriers or discrimination.
Narva, located on the external border of the European Union, provides an important context for discussing these issues and exploring how support systems can respond more effectively to people’s real needs.
Equal treatment is not only a legal principle. It must also mean that every person has a genuine opportunity to access essential services, receive support, and be treated with dignity.
Presenting the Work of EHPV and BaltHUB
During the meeting, representatives of EHPV and BaltHUB shared their experience in supporting Ukrainian refugees and other vulnerable communities in Estonia.
The discussion highlighted the importance of practical, person-centred assistance that responds to individual needs and helps overcome barriers to accessing essential services.
EHPV’s work includes information and counselling, support in accessing healthcare and social services, HIV and viral hepatitis prevention and testing, peer counselling, and individual accompaniment for people requiring additional assistance.
An important part of this approach is creating a safe and trusting environment where people can discuss their needs without fear of stigma, discrimination, or unwanted disclosure of personal information.
For Ukrainian refugees, accessible information in a language they understand, confidentiality, respectful communication, and safe referrals can make a significant difference in their ability to seek and receive assistance.
Strengthening Support Through RefAid BaltHUB
One of the initiatives contributing to this work is RefAid BaltHUB, a regional project supporting the integration and reintegration of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
The project is implemented by EHPV in partnership with Association Demetra in Lithuania and AGIHAS in Latvia.
RefAid BaltHUB combines peer-led support, psychosocial assistance, information and counselling, service navigation, referrals, and practical assistance for Ukrainians facing difficult life circumstances.
The project places particular emphasis on accessibility, confidentiality, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
Through cooperation between civil society organisations, professionals, and community representatives, RefAid BaltHUB works to make support more responsive to the real needs of people, regardless of their health status, social circumstances, or place of residence.
Dialogue and Cooperation for More Inclusive Services
During the meeting, Christian Veske acknowledged EHPV’s active work and the importance of initiatives supporting Ukrainian refugees in Estonia.
For EHPV and BaltHUB, this recognition highlights the value of community-based work and the role of civil society organisations in identifying barriers that may otherwise remain overlooked.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on existing challenges and discuss possibilities for further cooperation in promoting equal treatment and improving access to support.
EHPV and BaltHUB appreciate the constructive dialogue and the opportunity to share their practical experience with Estonia’s Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner.
Making Equal Treatment a Reality
Protecting people’s rights requires more than formal guarantees. It also requires accessible services, clear information, confidentiality, and cooperation between institutions and organisations working directly with communities.
For Ukrainian refugees, these principles are essential to rebuilding stability and participating fully in Estonian society.
EHPV and BaltHUB will continue working with partners to strengthen inclusive support, protect human dignity, and help ensure that people facing difficult circumstances can access the assistance they need.
Equal treatment means more than having rights on paper. It means having a real opportunity to be heard, receive support, and feel safe.
