Statement by Estonian Foreign Minister Ms. Kristiina Ojuland to the 58th Session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in Geneva
Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me, first of all, congratulate you, Ambassador Jakubowski, on your election to the Chairmanship of this Commission. I wish you and the other members of the Bureau every success in your challenging task.
I would also like to express my appreciation to Ms. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for her personal and professional commitment and the effort she has made in the area of human rights throughout the world.
It is a special honour for me to be the first foreign minister of the Republic of Estonia to address the session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. This august body has, over the years, played a crucial role in the promotion of human freedom, human dignity, and international peace - all essential elements of what are generally known as human rights. And I am proud, that Estonia, despite its small size and modest means, also has a role to play in this essential universal endeavour.
Let me present some of the issues to which Estonia attaches great importance.
Firstly,
The establishment of the International Criminal Court will be a crucial step for strengthening international law and human rights. Estonia views this Court as an effective tool for the protection of human rights, and the observance of the rule of law. The Court helps to put an end to impunity for those who have committed crimes against humanity, and is the guarantor of the administration of justice when a Member State is not willing or able to do so itself.
Estonia believes that it is important that the Rome Statute should be ratified by as many states as possible. Only the universal acceptance of the International Criminal Court can really make it effective and useful. Therefore, we are glad to see that the ratification rate has increased during the last year, and that the International Criminal Court will become a functioning reality in the very near future. We are pleased to be contributors to that process.
The Estonian Parliament adopted the ratification act of the Rome Statute last December and deposited the instrument of ratification this year, at the end of January.
Since the observance of the rule of law goes hand in hand with the protection of human rights, Estonia sees the International Criminal Court as an essential instrument for promoting our common ideals.
Secondly,
Although the interest in indigenous peoples and their cultures is stronger than ever, the rights of indigenous peoples, including their linguistic and cultural rights, continue to be at risk in many parts of the world. The protection of the cultural and intellectual property of indigenous peoples everywhere is continually an issue of increasing importance and urgency.
In recent years, there have been significant advances in international thinking and action concerning the issues and rights of indigenous peoples. The International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, being celebrated between 1995 – 2004, has brought with it noticeable advances, such as the establishment of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The forum is essential for safeguarding the effective participation of indigenous peoples in the international community, and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples within the United Nations system. Estonia is more than pleased that the Permanent Forum will open its first annual session in May 2002.
Another major objective of the aforementioned Decade is the adoption of the draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Equally important is the further development of international standards, as well as national legislation, for the protection and promotion of the human rights of indigenous peoples.
Although progress towards the final formulation of this Declaration remains slow, Estonia was encouraged by the increased level of participation, and the more open dialogue between the representatives of participating states and indigenous peoples during the last session of the Working Group of the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In Estonia, great importance has been attached to the activities and cultures of Finno-Ugric and Uralic peoples, with whom we share a long and rich history. Over the years, we have made efforts to maintain and develop ties with them, while also promoting their cultures and languages. We hope that the activities undertaken within the framework of the Decade of the World’s Indigenous peoples will increase awareness of the specific needs of indigenous peoples everywhere, and will help to create concrete positive solutions for their problems.
Thirdly,
The well-being of indigenous peoples is closely linked to the general development of their countries. Therefore, Estonia is paying greater attention to the support given to indigenous peoples, as well as to the various development co-operation activities, as a means of defending and promoting international human rights.
Development co-operation has become an inseparable part of Estonia’s foreign policy. In the course of undergoing extensive reforms during its 10 years of re-independence, Estonia has acquired useful experience and knowledge in the field of establishing a democratic society and developing a stable socio-economic environment. Estonia is sharing this experience and expertise with other countries, in both a bilateral and multilateral format. Estonia is also prepared to provide humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters.
In today’s quickly changing world, with boundaries between peoples fading away, accompanied by the increased sharing of information and resources, the relationships between nations have become more intertwined than ever before. Within the framework of this globalisation process and the ongoing dialogue between the developed and developing world, we believe that we have a duty to contribute to the establishment, maintenance, and strengthening of the commonweal. Estonia is ready and able to play a greater role as an international donor, and to help peoples and countries in need. One aim is to participate more actively in international discussions to help achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Mr. Chairman,
If we want to achieve a fully harmonized society, we all have the duty to create an environment of mutual trust and respect. To build this kind of a society, Estonia has followed a consistent inclusive policy of integration.
Since 1998, special attention has been paid to the concept of integrating the non-Estonian-speaking segment of the population into Estonian society. The state programme "Integration in Estonian Society 2000 – 2007" was approved by the government in the year 2000.
This integration programme is based on Estonia’s national and social interests and of course on internationally recognized human rights concepts. The programme is aimed at developing an integrated society. This means the creating of conditions enabling everyone, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or social background, full participation in Estonian society on all levels.
Integration in Estonian society is characterised by two processes:
the systematic social harmonisation of Estonian society based upon universal democratic values, knowledge of the official state language, and the possession of Estonian citizenship, and
the creation of conditions for maintaining ethnic differences based upon the recognition of the cultural rights of ethnic minorities.
The harmonisation of society is in fact a two-way process - the integrating of both Estonians and non-Estonians around common values. We are confident that the integration process will result in the emergence of a truly multicultural society characterised by cultural pluralism, a strong common core, and the continual development of Estonian culture.
Mr. Chairman,
When speaking about the creation of a society with equal opportunities for all, I am not talking only about minorities, but also gender equality. Estonia has taken steps to promote gender mainstreaming, and women’s participation in politics is constantly increasing. I am personally glad to say, that 1/3 of the present Government’s ministers are women. In addition to the portfolios traditionally held by women, like culture, social affairs, and education, in Estonia, women ministers are today also responsible for transportation, the economy, and foreign affairs.
Every year, the government adopts an Action Plan, which stipulates the priorities for the upcoming year. The plan pays particular attention to reconciling family and working life, the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, equal pay for work of equal value, and the dissemination of relevant information. Special means are also foreseen for dealing with issues concerning elderly women. The aim of this policy is to improve the coping strategy of the elderly, and to make a more thorough evaluation of the positive roles that the elderly do and can play in our society.
In June 2001, Estonia submitted its consolidated first, second, and third report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. At the beginning of this year, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women considered the report. This gave us an opportunity to establish a dialogue with the Committee, which has already proven to be useful and productive for further implementation of the Convention. We encourage all the countries which have not already done so, to ratify this Convention.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to stress that information and communication technology has a role to play in the field of development and promotion of human rights.
I am sure we all agree, that true human rights are closely connected with the concepts of open government, open markets, and good economic performance. And as you know, the proper development of all these concepts is greatly enhanced by well developed information technology.
Newly re-independent Estonia realized this early on, and with the ambitious Tiger Leap programme, has made strenuous efforts to make full use of the constantly developing computer, information, and communication technology. The result is, that Estonia has the honour of being among the 20 most computerised nations in the world. Estonia has, what can probably be called, the world’s first so-called e-Government Cabinet. And we are not neglecting our future - all Estonian schools are online.
Estonia has adopted one of the world’s most radical laws concerning freedom of public information. To comply with its unprecedented requirements, all governmental and municipal structures have reorganized their procedures and means of communicating with the public. To do this, they are relying on modern IT solutions. People can follow the birth of laws and governmental decrees from the very first drafts, and they can request and obtain documents from officials and various government agencies. A very wide range of previously confidential official information is made public on web-sites. Together with the free media, this creates additional guarantees for human rights in Estonia. Just like other countries, Estonia is concerned about some negative aspects connected with the development of the internet, and we played an active role in the preparation of the Council of Europe´s convention against cybercrime.
We have done all this not as a rich country, but rather, as a nation with quite modest means. Therefore, it need not be taken for granted that poor nations must necessarily fall ever more behind. As Estonia has proven, if appropriate policies are implemented, the Digital Divide can be turned into the Digital Dividend. This is why Estonia wholeheartedly endorses, and will actively participate, with its experience and know-how, in the United Nation’s plans to assist all member states in making the IT dream a reality. And this will be another one of the Republic of Estonia’s modest, yet sincere contributions to our united effort to build a socially, politically, and economically stable world community, in which universal human rights are wholeheartedly respected, promoted, and protected.
I thank you.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Let me, first of all, congratulate you, Ambassador Jakubowski, on your election to the Chairmanship of this Commission. I wish you and the other members of the Bureau every success in your challenging task.
I would also like to express my appreciation to Ms. Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for her personal and professional commitment and the effort she has made in the area of human rights throughout the world.
It is a special honour for me to be the first foreign minister of the Republic of Estonia to address the session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. This august body has, over the years, played a crucial role in the promotion of human freedom, human dignity, and international peace - all essential elements of what are generally known as human rights. And I am proud, that Estonia, despite its small size and modest means, also has a role to play in this essential universal endeavour.
Let me present some of the issues to which Estonia attaches great importance.
Firstly,
The establishment of the International Criminal Court will be a crucial step for strengthening international law and human rights. Estonia views this Court as an effective tool for the protection of human rights, and the observance of the rule of law. The Court helps to put an end to impunity for those who have committed crimes against humanity, and is the guarantor of the administration of justice when a Member State is not willing or able to do so itself.
Estonia believes that it is important that the Rome Statute should be ratified by as many states as possible. Only the universal acceptance of the International Criminal Court can really make it effective and useful. Therefore, we are glad to see that the ratification rate has increased during the last year, and that the International Criminal Court will become a functioning reality in the very near future. We are pleased to be contributors to that process.
The Estonian Parliament adopted the ratification act of the Rome Statute last December and deposited the instrument of ratification this year, at the end of January.
Since the observance of the rule of law goes hand in hand with the protection of human rights, Estonia sees the International Criminal Court as an essential instrument for promoting our common ideals.
Secondly,
Although the interest in indigenous peoples and their cultures is stronger than ever, the rights of indigenous peoples, including their linguistic and cultural rights, continue to be at risk in many parts of the world. The protection of the cultural and intellectual property of indigenous peoples everywhere is continually an issue of increasing importance and urgency.
In recent years, there have been significant advances in international thinking and action concerning the issues and rights of indigenous peoples. The International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People, being celebrated between 1995 – 2004, has brought with it noticeable advances, such as the establishment of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The forum is essential for safeguarding the effective participation of indigenous peoples in the international community, and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples within the United Nations system. Estonia is more than pleased that the Permanent Forum will open its first annual session in May 2002.
Another major objective of the aforementioned Decade is the adoption of the draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Equally important is the further development of international standards, as well as national legislation, for the protection and promotion of the human rights of indigenous peoples.
Although progress towards the final formulation of this Declaration remains slow, Estonia was encouraged by the increased level of participation, and the more open dialogue between the representatives of participating states and indigenous peoples during the last session of the Working Group of the United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In Estonia, great importance has been attached to the activities and cultures of Finno-Ugric and Uralic peoples, with whom we share a long and rich history. Over the years, we have made efforts to maintain and develop ties with them, while also promoting their cultures and languages. We hope that the activities undertaken within the framework of the Decade of the World’s Indigenous peoples will increase awareness of the specific needs of indigenous peoples everywhere, and will help to create concrete positive solutions for their problems.
Thirdly,
The well-being of indigenous peoples is closely linked to the general development of their countries. Therefore, Estonia is paying greater attention to the support given to indigenous peoples, as well as to the various development co-operation activities, as a means of defending and promoting international human rights.
Development co-operation has become an inseparable part of Estonia’s foreign policy. In the course of undergoing extensive reforms during its 10 years of re-independence, Estonia has acquired useful experience and knowledge in the field of establishing a democratic society and developing a stable socio-economic environment. Estonia is sharing this experience and expertise with other countries, in both a bilateral and multilateral format. Estonia is also prepared to provide humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters.
In today’s quickly changing world, with boundaries between peoples fading away, accompanied by the increased sharing of information and resources, the relationships between nations have become more intertwined than ever before. Within the framework of this globalisation process and the ongoing dialogue between the developed and developing world, we believe that we have a duty to contribute to the establishment, maintenance, and strengthening of the commonweal. Estonia is ready and able to play a greater role as an international donor, and to help peoples and countries in need. One aim is to participate more actively in international discussions to help achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Mr. Chairman,
If we want to achieve a fully harmonized society, we all have the duty to create an environment of mutual trust and respect. To build this kind of a society, Estonia has followed a consistent inclusive policy of integration.
Since 1998, special attention has been paid to the concept of integrating the non-Estonian-speaking segment of the population into Estonian society. The state programme "Integration in Estonian Society 2000 – 2007" was approved by the government in the year 2000.
This integration programme is based on Estonia’s national and social interests and of course on internationally recognized human rights concepts. The programme is aimed at developing an integrated society. This means the creating of conditions enabling everyone, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or social background, full participation in Estonian society on all levels.
Integration in Estonian society is characterised by two processes:
the systematic social harmonisation of Estonian society based upon universal democratic values, knowledge of the official state language, and the possession of Estonian citizenship, and
the creation of conditions for maintaining ethnic differences based upon the recognition of the cultural rights of ethnic minorities.
The harmonisation of society is in fact a two-way process - the integrating of both Estonians and non-Estonians around common values. We are confident that the integration process will result in the emergence of a truly multicultural society characterised by cultural pluralism, a strong common core, and the continual development of Estonian culture.
Mr. Chairman,
When speaking about the creation of a society with equal opportunities for all, I am not talking only about minorities, but also gender equality. Estonia has taken steps to promote gender mainstreaming, and women’s participation in politics is constantly increasing. I am personally glad to say, that 1/3 of the present Government’s ministers are women. In addition to the portfolios traditionally held by women, like culture, social affairs, and education, in Estonia, women ministers are today also responsible for transportation, the economy, and foreign affairs.
Every year, the government adopts an Action Plan, which stipulates the priorities for the upcoming year. The plan pays particular attention to reconciling family and working life, the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, equal pay for work of equal value, and the dissemination of relevant information. Special means are also foreseen for dealing with issues concerning elderly women. The aim of this policy is to improve the coping strategy of the elderly, and to make a more thorough evaluation of the positive roles that the elderly do and can play in our society.
In June 2001, Estonia submitted its consolidated first, second, and third report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. At the beginning of this year, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women considered the report. This gave us an opportunity to establish a dialogue with the Committee, which has already proven to be useful and productive for further implementation of the Convention. We encourage all the countries which have not already done so, to ratify this Convention.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to stress that information and communication technology has a role to play in the field of development and promotion of human rights.
I am sure we all agree, that true human rights are closely connected with the concepts of open government, open markets, and good economic performance. And as you know, the proper development of all these concepts is greatly enhanced by well developed information technology.
Newly re-independent Estonia realized this early on, and with the ambitious Tiger Leap programme, has made strenuous efforts to make full use of the constantly developing computer, information, and communication technology. The result is, that Estonia has the honour of being among the 20 most computerised nations in the world. Estonia has, what can probably be called, the world’s first so-called e-Government Cabinet. And we are not neglecting our future - all Estonian schools are online.
Estonia has adopted one of the world’s most radical laws concerning freedom of public information. To comply with its unprecedented requirements, all governmental and municipal structures have reorganized their procedures and means of communicating with the public. To do this, they are relying on modern IT solutions. People can follow the birth of laws and governmental decrees from the very first drafts, and they can request and obtain documents from officials and various government agencies. A very wide range of previously confidential official information is made public on web-sites. Together with the free media, this creates additional guarantees for human rights in Estonia. Just like other countries, Estonia is concerned about some negative aspects connected with the development of the internet, and we played an active role in the preparation of the Council of Europe´s convention against cybercrime.
We have done all this not as a rich country, but rather, as a nation with quite modest means. Therefore, it need not be taken for granted that poor nations must necessarily fall ever more behind. As Estonia has proven, if appropriate policies are implemented, the Digital Divide can be turned into the Digital Dividend. This is why Estonia wholeheartedly endorses, and will actively participate, with its experience and know-how, in the United Nation’s plans to assist all member states in making the IT dream a reality. And this will be another one of the Republic of Estonia’s modest, yet sincere contributions to our united effort to build a socially, politically, and economically stable world community, in which universal human rights are wholeheartedly respected, promoted, and protected.
I thank you.
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