The University of Tartu’s Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS) and the think tank Praxis conducted a study mapping the needs of refugees who led the war against Ukraine. The study looked into how they coped in Estonia and if they intended to return to their country of origin.
The study, available since February 2023, suggests that the refugees from Ukraine have been provided with the necessary information and assistance: the majority of refugees could navigate issues such as getting information about healthcare or enrolling their children in school or kindergarten. More than 80% of the Ukrainian school-aged children attended school in Estonia, and 5% have mentioned lack of information as a reason for not being able to go to school. In addition, 55% of adult refugees had already found a job in Estonia.
In terms of the possibility to return to Ukraine, the majority of responders (63%) expected to be able to do so within 3 years at the latest, while 25% believed they would stay in Estonia for more than three years. One-third of the refugees who arrived in Estonia from Ukraine came from areas where active hostilities are taking place, and another third - from the bordering areas. Nearly 8% of the refugees come from Mariupol and 7% - from Kharkiv.
The aim of the study was to identify the statistical profile of Ukrainian war refugees who have arrived in Estonia, and to map possible issues related to education, the labour market, housing, health, social engagement and return in order to provide the Estonian state and local authorities with insight about the refugees' needs. More details are available in the executive summary of the study in Estonian.
Details
- Authors
- University of Tartu’s Centre for Applied Social Sciences (CASS), think-tank Praxis
- Geographic area
- Estonia
- Contributor type
- Academics and experts
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