Volunteering
Voluntary work refers to the carrying out of socially beneficial work without remuneration. It is one of the most direct, attainable, and diverse forms of civic participation.
In Estonia, voluntary work is not regulated by a specific legal act. However, certain forms of volunteering are mentioned in different laws. For example:
- the Assistant Police Officer Act regulates the activities of a person who, on a voluntary basis, participates in their own spare time in the activity of the police
- the Rescue Act regulates the activities of voluntary rescuers
- the Victim Support Act regulates the involvement of victim support volunteers in the provision of support services
- the Police and Border Guard Act regulates the activities of voluntary maritime rescuers
The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund also coordinates options for volunteering. The Fund has a number of volunteering partners, which include non-governmental organisations, museums, libraries and others. The Unemployment Insurance Fund provides commuting and accommodation compensation and a grant to people who are registered as unemployed and do voluntary work, based on correct documentation of participation.
Resources
Law
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European Convention on Human Rights
In force for Estonia as of 16 April 1996
Articles 2, 4, 14
Articles 2, 4, 14
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
In force for Estonia as of 21 January 1992
Articles 2-3, 6, 8
Articles 2-3, 6, 8
Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union
In force as of 1 December 2009
Articles 2, 5, 21, 23, Title IV
Articles 2, 5, 21, 23, Title IV
Other
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Analysis of the legal environment of volunteering
Alari Rammo, Toomas Seppel
Human Rights Guide
A European platform for human rights education