Foreign Minister Liimets: the protection of human rights contributes to peace and security

In an online meeting of the UN Human Rights Council today 4 May, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets presented the national report of Estonia submitted to the third Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The review gives an overview of human rights developments and recommendations by states following our previous review in 2016.

Minister Liimets said Estonia remained committed to respecting and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms in cooperation with other UN member states. 'Respect for international law as well as the protection and advancement of human rights contributes to global peace and security. These are our guiding principles both on the national and international level,' the foreign minister said. 'These principles have been adopted in Estonia's Foreign Policy Strategy 2030 and our first Human Rights Action Plan.' In 2020, the foreign minister appointed Estonia's first ambassador-at-large for human rights and migration.

At the discussion, the foreign minister outlined the most recent human rights developments and further steps in Estonia. 'I am glad to say that Estonia has actively addressed the proposals made in the last review and most of these recommendations have already been implemented,' the minister said. She added that advancing the rights of women and children was in particular focus. 'This year, media freedom is a prominent issue - we are making preparations for organising a conference of the Media Freedom Coalition in December this year.'

Estonia is committed to protecting international law and advancing human rights through international organisations. The foreign minister said UN Security Council membership has enabled Estonia to raise human rights issues, as grave human rights violations were an early warning of potential conflict. 'Our priority as the member of the Security Council is advancing the participation of women in all stages of conflict resolution. We are also stressing that perpetrators of sexual offences in conflicts must be identified and held to account,' Liimets added. Estonia was a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2013-2015 and is applying for membership again for 2026-2028.

Estonia's third UPR report with recommendations is adopted at the UN on 7 May; the full report will be adopted at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council in September.

Estonia has been part of the UPR three times now - in 2011, 2016 and 2021. All 193 UN member states undergo a human rights situation review every five years. The 38th meeting of the UPR on 3-14 May 2021 will review the human rights situation in Belgium, Belau, Estonia, Latvia, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Paraguay, Solomon Islands, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia and Denmark.

The Estonian delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additional information: http://www.vm.ee/et/tegevused-eesmargid/inimoigused/eesti-upr

Speech in full: https://vm.ee/en/news/opening-statement-he-eva-maria-liimets-un-human-ri...

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