Rebuilding lives, together
At Estonian Refugee Council, we support people affected by crises and help them rebuild their lives. We provide cash assistance to meet urgent needs, support people in finding employment or starting a business, and initiate community activities that people with refugee backgrounds can shape and lead themselves, supporting their adaptation, well-being, and self-reliance.
We work in Estonia, Armenia, Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, and beyond, guided by dignity and humanity in the design and implementation of our activities. Whether you join us as a colleague, intern, volunteer, or expert, you can contribute your skills to helping people meet urgent needs and rebuild their lives.
Applications for the 2027 spring internship round open on 1 November 2026 and close on 15 January. The internship pathway lists what to prepare before you start.
Who we are
An Estonian non-governmental organisation working with refugees and displaced people since 2000.
We began as a small group of volunteers helping the first people to claim asylum in Estonia. By now, we work with refugees and other people affected by crises globally.
Our team brings together people with experience in humanitarian assistance, livelihoods, protection, community support and organisational operations. We work alongside local communities, partners and volunteers.
Our work is supported by public funding, institutional donors and private donations. We follow the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, with people’s rights and dignity at the centre of our work.
Why we do it
Everyone displaced or at risk of displacement has the right to live with dignity. Conflict and disasters can disrupt people’s lives, but they do not define who they are or diminish their rights, strengths, and aspirations.
We stand up for the rights and well-being of people affected by crises, supporting them in meeting urgent needs and rebuilding their lives. Guided by humanity, neutrality, independence, and impartiality, we base our assistance on people’s needs and work alongside communities to strengthen their self-reliance and ability to shape their own futures.
