Estonia, located in Northern Europe, shares land borders with Russia to the east and Latvia to the south, and across the Baltic sea lies Sweden to the west. Estonia’s Constitution, adopted on 28 June 1992, established a democratic system based on a Presidency and a unicameral 101-seat parliament, known as the Riigikogu. Key priorities relate to ensuring sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens, and the promotion of education and research. 

As a member of the European Union and a signatory to various international conventions, Estonia has developed a legal framework to address the issues of forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Estonia is party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. The country has established procedures for granting asylum and subsidiary protection to individuals who meet the criteria set forth in these instruments. Asylum seekers undergo a legal process to determine their eligibility for international protection, and those granted refugee status or subsidiary protection are entitled to rights and benefits, including temporary residence permits, access to employment, and social services. Individuals who have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection may apply for family reunification, so that family can join them if specific conditions are satisfied.