The aim of the Universal Periodic Review is to assess how Estonia has fulfilled its obligations and previous recommendations in the field of human rights. At the same time, other countries put forward new recommendations to Estonia for the protection and promotion of human rights.
In his opening remarks, Secretary General Vseviov stressed that Estonia is firmly committed to upholding human rights, international law and the rules-based international order. He noted that Estonia highly values the UPR process, which provides an opportunity to highlight the country’s progress in the field of human rights and to draw attention to remaining challenges. According to him, the protection of human rights must be an integral part of global security policy, and Estonia’s goal is to ensure the full and substantive implementation of its international human rights obligations. He added that promoting human rights requires sustained attention and cooperation across society.
In January this year, Estonia submitted its fourth human rights report to the UN Human Rights Council, prepared jointly by ministries. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation and developments in Estonia since 2021, when the previous review took place. It addresses topics such as integration, citizenship, discrimination, gender equality, the gender pay gap, domestic violence, children’s rights, the situation of minorities, accessibility and education.
The report also reviews all the issues on which other countries made recommendations to Estonia in 2021. At that time, Estonia received a total of 274 recommendations, most of which have been implemented, primarily through legislative changes. Key achievements include the introduction of marriage equality, improved access to Estonian-language education, a reduction in the gender pay gap, and Estonia’s accession to several international human rights instruments.
The recommendations made during this year’s session will be formally adopted on the afternoon of 15 May. The final report of Estonia’s fourth review cycle will be approved at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in the autumn of 2026.
On the margins of the review, Secretary General Vseviov held meetings with Jürg Lauber, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris, and ambassadors of the NB8 countries. Discussions focused on promoting and protecting international human rights norms and on the impact of disinformation on human rights. In addition, the Secretary General opened an event dedicated to media freedom and the protection of journalists.
Tomorrow morning, the Secretary General will meet Gemma Connell, Head of the Geneva Office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Universal Periodic Review can be viewed here.
