This year’s ILGA-Europe conference was held in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana from 25 to 28 October under the theme “Going Back to the Moment”.

Representatives of Estonian communities, including the Estonian Network of PLHIV, joined the conference in order to define the sustainability of the ILGA-Europe movement in the discussion. Conference 2023 #Coming back together #The event is held under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar  #We look forward to all of our friends and activists exploring how to meet the challenging goals this broad European movement has taken upon itself. This year’s conference is built around the theme; “Rising to the moment”. It will allow us to continue to find new and successful ways to make political and social change in our countries in the region.” We are at a moment in history which is complex and is changing the way LGBTI activism happens. As LGBTI people are repeatedly targeted and instrumentalised as scapegoats by anti-democratic and anti-human rights forces, our communities are made more fragile, and the work of the LGBTI movement has become even heavier in too many places. And yet amidst these turbulent times, activists continue to find new and successful ways to make political and social change in their countries and in the region. From finding new ways to organise and work together, through filling gaps created by unresponsive governments, to all the many shifts in the right direction powered by our movement. We must remember that we are a force to be reckoned with. That we have already been shaping the world, and we’re going to continue this great and important work.

For that, and many other reasons, at ILGA-Europe, we are thrilled to be able to bring our movement together in one space again. We know how important it is for us all at this moment in time, and how much we need to experience connection, solidarity and inspiration, with and from each other.

Over these few days together, we will remind ourselves that we are passionate about this work, we take care of each other, and that we gain personal strength from the work we do, because it is about real change for real people. We will also show, as we have since the beginnings of our movement, that we are rising to the moment.“

 

BalticHUB: A Journey of Discoveries – Study Visits to Vilnius and Oslo

In October, the Baltic HUB expanded its activities and conducted 2 study Visits. The BalticHUB study visits to Vilnius, Lithuania, and Oslo, Norway, have proven to be a remarkable journey of collaboration and learning. These visits were not just about exploring new horizons; they represented the planting of seeds for significant changes and the strengthening of bonds that will yield long-term results.

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers, we are expanding the Baltic Hub infrastructure and activities to partner organizations in Lithuania and Norway. This expansion marks an exciting milestone in our journey to provide support for refugees in the region.

Valuable Lessons

In Vilnius, we delved into the work of Demetra, an organization renowned for its comprehensive support to individuals living with HIV, especially those belonging to marginalized groups, such as the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The visit to Vilnius was a treasure trove of lessons. It shed light on innovative advocacy methods, support provision, and community engagement. Active idea exchange with Demetra became a significant achievement.

In Oslo, our path led us to three prominent organizations – HIVNorge (HIV Norway), Helseutvalget (Gay and Lesbian Health Norway), and the Church City Mission Aksept. It was a true journey of revelations, enriching our knowledge chest with gems. The visits to Oslo were enlightening and unveiled cutting-edge advocacy methods, clinical services, psychosocial support, and community integration. The importance of these visits cannot be overstated; they equip us with the tools to remain at the forefront of providing support.

Why It Matters

These study visits are central to BalticHUB’s mission, a mission born in response to the 2022 Ukrainian refugee crisis. From the outset, our goal has been clear – to provide unwavering support to Ukrainian refugees living with HIV, the vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and other vulnerable groups. Expanding our network to organizations from Estonia, Latvia, and Finland has changed the game. It strengthens our role as a vital mechanism for delivering much-needed services.

However, these study visits are not just about acquiring knowledge. They are fundamentally about collaboration. Active participation in discussions and dialogues with host organizations ensures that the knowledge gained does not remain in a vacuum. Instead, it adapts and tailors to the local context, ensuring relevance and practicality.

A Bright Future

The success of these study visits is a reflection of BalticHUB‘s unwavering commitment to its mission. As we continue to expand our network and prepare to deliver an even more positive impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees, we are filled with hope for a brighter future. These study visits have been a significant step in our journey, ensuring that BalticHUB remains true to its mission and continues to be an oasis of support services.

2023 Theme

Decent Work and Social Protection: Putting dignity in practice for all

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, celebrated annually on October 17th, aims to promote understanding and dialogue between people living in poverty and the wider society. This year’s theme draws on first-hand testimonials showing that those trapped in extreme poverty often work long, grueling hours in dangerous, unregulated conditions but still cannot earn enough income to adequately support themselves and their families.

This year’s theme calls for universal access to decent work and social protection as a means to uphold human dignity for all people, and to emphasize that decent work must empower people, provide fair wages and safe working conditions, and fundamentally recognize the inherent value and humanity of all workers. Similarly, universal social protection is urgently needed to guarantee income security for everyone, prioritizing society’s most vulnerable members. The theme is also a call to political leaders and policymakers to use human dignity as the guiding compass in all decision-making processes, to ensure the advancement of fundamental human rights and social justice over the pursuit of corporate profits.

Strong global partnerships between governments, businesses, and civil society organizations are vital to achieving equitable development and ensuring no one is excluded or left behind. Therefore, this year’s observance is a chance to stand in solidarity with people living in poverty, truly listen to their daily struggles, and renew commitments to create a just economy focused on protecting human and environmental wellbeing over maximizing financial gains. The ultimate goal is to eliminate poverty entirely by creating the conditions for everyone to live with dignity.

Details available in the concept note [PDF]

Background

In a world characterized by an unprecedented level of economic development, technological means and financial resources, that millions of persons are living in extreme poverty is a moral outrage. Poverty is not solely an economic issue, but rather a multidimensional phenomenon that encompasses a lack of both income and the basic capabilities to live in dignity.

Persons living in poverty experience many interrelated and mutually reinforcing deprivations that prevent them from realizing their rights and perpetuate their poverty, including:

• dangerous work conditions
• unsafe housing
• lack of nutritious food
• unequal access to justice
• lack of political power
• limited access to health care

Read more on the background for the Day

Related organizations and information

• International Movement ATD Fourth World
• Overcoming Extreme Poverty
• International Committee for October 17
• Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty

Original news link here

Adaptation of Ukrainian refugees living with HIV in Estonia

We are pleased to inform you that with the support of the American Embassy in Estonia, our organization has created a separate direction focused on Ukrainian refugees living with HIV and their loved ones. The goal is to provide comprehensive psychosocial support to Ukrainian refugees living with HIV and facilitate their successful integration into Estonian society.

The main methods of our work are consultations, clarification and transfer of information, assistance when contacting various government agencies, and support in solving social issues.

We offer the following services:

• Information consultations and support in resolving various administrative issues: (receipt of documents; registration of place of residence; registration in various government agencies and portals; assistance in finding a job; training in digital skills)
• Accompaniment in obtaining social and medical services from other specialists.
• Assistance in communicating with government and medical institutions (we provide services in 4 languages: English, Estonian, Russian and Ukrainian).
• Psychological consulting
• Social consulting
• Self-help groups

Another area of work will be counseling Ukrainian refugees who are not HIV-positive on issues of prevention and testing for HIV and hepatitis C.

We offer a client-oriented approach, when the client receives all the necessary specialist services in one place.

Services will be provided in:

Narva at Linda 4 ( endine „ Baltijets “), 6. Korrus

Contact person – Olga Geisulenko , tel: +37256651213, e-mail: olha.heisulenko@ehpv.ee

Jõhvi at Rakvere tn 4

Contact person – Olga Geisulenko , tel: +37256651213, e-mail: olha.heisulenko@ehpv.ee

Tallinn at Rävala address pst 8-1014

Contact person – Svetlana Prunis, tel: +372 55680942, e-mail: prunissvetlana@gmail.com

Tartu at Kalevi tn 51

Contact person – Krista Joost , tel: +372 5340 1706, e-mail: krista.joost@gmail.com

, as well as in Pärnu and Saaremaa .

Contact person – Krista Joost , tel: +372 5340 1706, e-mail: krista.joost@gmail.com

To receive the service, please register by calling or emailing a consultant from the city closest to you.

A consultant will assist in scheduling an appointment with a psychologist and social worker.

Additional Information:

Coordinator Ekaterina Smirnova, tel: +37255578131, e-mail: Jekaterina.smirnova@ehpv.ee

______________

Адаптація українських біженців, які живуть із ВІЛ, в Естонії

Раді вам повідомити, що за підтримки Американського посольства в Естонії в нашій організації з’явився окремий напрямок, орієнтований на українських біженців, які живуть з ВІЛ та їх близьких. Метою є надання комплексної психосоціальної підтримки українським біженцям, які живуть із ВІЛ, для їх успішної інтеграції в Естонії.

Основними методами нашої роботи є консультації, роз’яснення та передача інформації, допомога при зверненні до різних державних установ, підтримка у вирішенні соціальних питань.

Ми пропонуємо такі послуги:

• Інформаційні консультації та підтримка у вирішенні різних адміністративних питань: (отримання документів; реєстрація місця проживання; реєстрація в різних держ. установах та порталах; допомога у пошуку роботи; навчання цифровим навичкам)
• Супровід для отримання соціальних та медичних послуг у інших спеціалістів.
• Допомога у спілкуванні з державними та медичними установами (ми надаємо послуги чотирма мовами: англійською, естонською, російською та українською).
• Психологічне  консультування
• Соціальне консультування
• Групи самодопомоги.

Іншим напрямком роботи буде консультування українських біженців, які не є ВІЛ-позитивними, з питань профілактики та тестування на ВІЛ та гепатит С.

Ми пропонуємо клієнтоорієнтований підхід, коли клієнт отримує всі необхідні послуги спеціалістів в одному місці.

Послуги надаватимуться у:

Нарві за адресою Linda 4 (endine „Baltijets“), 6. Korrus

Контактна особа – Ольга Гейсуленко, тел: +37256651213, е-пошта: olha.heisulenko@ehpv.ee

Йихві за адресою Rakvere tn 4

Контактна особа – Ольга Гейсуленко, тел: +37256651213, е-пошта: olha.heisulenko@ehpv.ee

Таллінні за адресою Rävala pst 8-1014

Контактна особа – Светлана Прунис , тел: +372 55680942, е-пошта: prunissvetlana@gmail.com

Тарту за адресою Kalevi tn 51

Контактна особа – Кріст Йоост, тел: +372 5340 1706, е-пошта: krista.joost@gmail.com

, а також у Пярну та на Сааремаа.

Контактна особа – Кріст Йоост, тел: +372 5340 1706, е-пошта: krista.joost@gmail.com

Для отримання послуги просимо зареєструватися, зателефонувавши або написавши на електронну пошту консультанту з найближчого до вас міста.

Запис до психолога та соціального працівника відбувається через консультанта.

Додаткова інформація:

Координатор Катерина Смирнова, тел: +37255578131, е-пошта: Jekaterina.smirnova@ehpv.ee