A study conducted by the Baltic Research Center revealed that Estonia has failed to ensure social protection and integration for the 46 refugees residing in the country.
After eight months of waiting in the Illuka Reception Center for Asylum Seekers in Ida-Viru County, Afghanistan-born Azat was finally granted international protection by the state, ETV reported.
Nevertheless, when it came to learning Estonian, finding a job and a new home, Azat received no additional support from the government besides a friendly pat on the back.
According to Kristina Kallas, member of the board at the Baltic Research Center, although by law the state must support refugees and help them establish a life in Estonia, no such measures are currently taken.
The Ministry of Social Affairs is responsible for the integration of refugees and recognizes that the situation indeed is very problematic. For example, only one of the polled refugees has managed to attend Estonian language classes.
"We have put a group of people to work to assemble a package of services that refugees might require. Direct results will hopefully be seen by 2012," said Triin Raag, senior specialist at the ministry's Welfare Department.
It should also be taken into account that, as other European countries tighten their refugee policies, more refugees will seek asylum in Estonia, said Ruth Annus, head of the Migration and Border Policy Department at the Ministry of the Interior.
ERR
