Statement by Foreign Minister Tsahkna at High Level Segment of the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Geneva, 27 February 2024
Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
27.02.2024
Statement by H.E. Mr. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia High Level Segment of the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Geneva.
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my honour to address the Human Rights Council.
Last year, we had a valuable opportunity to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reflect on significant achievements made during the past seven decades, which confirms the importance of the Declaration. But we still have a lot of work to do.
Mr. President,
Today, we are living in profoundly challenging times. On top of multitude of crises, we are marked by alarming number of armed conflicts and wars.
Russian full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine has headed into its third year. Every week we are witnessing brutal, inhuman acts - a carnage - against civil institutions and residential areas causing more and more civilian deaths and injuries and widespread destruction. And there is no end in sight.
The illegal deportation of Ukrainian children is one of the most horrific in the long list of crimes committed by Russia. Children should never be used as war trophies. Estonia is tirelessly working on ensuring their safe return to their legal guardians.
Recent hybrid operations by Russia's security services revealed this week in Estonia indicate clearly that Russia is continuously seeking to destabilize societies who respect the rule of law and international norms. However, Russia will never succeed subverting us from supporting our values and Ukraine who is fighting to defend the democratic world order. A threat to one nation's freedom is a threat to democracy and moral values globally.
We must demonstrate a strong commitment to international law by ensuring accountability for all atrocities and war crimes. Our joint efforts are the only way to stop war criminals and hold them accountable.
The link between the human rights and peace and security is clear. Countries that violate international law in other countries are also likely to violate international and human rights commitments domestically. There is a clear link between internal repression and external aggression.
Mr. President,
The acts committed by Hamas on October 7 are inhumane and cruel. We do not tolerate terrorism in any form. While recognizing Israel's right for self-protection, it is devastating to witness the toll of the war in Gaza on civilians. The international human rights principles and international humanitarian law obligations must be respected in all conflicts.
Mr. President,
We live in an era where the world has the technical means to better incorporate all voices. At the same time, we recognize that the global digital divide hinders inclusion. This particularly affects women and girls. Ensuring women's and girls' access to education and training in science and technology is fundamental. I am proud that Estonia has made significant progress on this. When it comes to AI and other new technologies, it is crucial that we use their full power to help achieve SDGs while encountering the potential threats, it conceals on human rights.
Mr. President,
Every individual should have the freedom to express themselves and love whoever they choose, without the threat of harassment, violence or discrimination. I am very proud that this year Estonia has taken an important step and implemented marriage equality. This is a significant milestone on the path to equal rights.
Mr. President,
We live in a globalized, increasingly polarised and extremely politized world.
This year, elections are scheduled to take place in a large number of countries. In the pre-electoral period, the flourishing of disinformation deserves our continuous attention. Therefore, Estonia has guided its efforts to enhancing media literacy and educating wider audiences.
As a country that ranks as one of the most free regarding internet freedom, we continue to strongly support the protection and promotion of human rights online as much as offline.
Looking at the world today, we are concerned about the increasing restrictions on free, independent and pluralistic media, and attacks against journalists and media workers. As a current co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition and the upcoming chair of the Freedom Online Coalition, Estonia will continue its work to enhance the situation of media and internet freedom.
Mr. President,
Estonia firmly believes that all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent. Expanding the space where human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are respected is one of Estonia's foreign policy priorities.
Today, we are ready to take on more responsibilities.
Estonia will seek membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2026-2028. We pledge to openly and constructively cooperate with all members of the United Nations and do the utmost to stand up for freedom, human dignity and human rights.
In line with our commitment to effective multilateralism and universal values, Estonia has identified three priorities for its efforts to promote and protect human rights - protecting children's rights, enhancing digital rights and upholding media freedom.
Mr. President,
The Summit of the Future gives impetus to forge a new global consensus on what our future should look like and to defend human rights of all. Strengthening the Human Rights pillar of the UN and mainstreaming human rights in the Pact for the Future is of utmost importance.
We encourage all states to engage in a meaningful and open discussion to find a common ground on how to move the world forward, to make it truly fit for freedom.
I wish you a successful session.
Thank you!
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