UNGA79 Third Committee General Discussion item on Promotion and protection of human rights
Statement delivered by H.E. Rein Tammsaar, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Estonia
22 October 2024, New York
Chair,
Estonia aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and would like to add the following.
With the Pact for the Future, adopted last month, world leaders pledged again to protect the needs and interests of all people. The Pact states: “The implementation of the Pact will enhance the full enjoyment of human rights and dignity for all, which is a key goal.” Estonia stood firm against efforts to weaken human rights language in the Pact as we stand firm against human rights violations across the world.
Estonia has adopted its own “Pact” for human rights – the Human Rights Diplomacy Bases and Action Plan – that sets the protection of human rights in the centre of our foreign policy, along with the principle of the rule of law.
As a part of our devotion to protect and promote human rights, Estonia has set up its candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term. In the core of our pursuit to become a member of this esteemed UN body are three priorities: the protection and promotion of children’s rights, enhancing digital rights, and upholding media freedom.
Chair,
The magnitude of children’s suffering in armed conflicts around the world is beyond belief. Despite their innocence, children are the most vulnerable and exposed to the horrors of an armed conflict. In these stark times, Estonia is doing its utmost to improve the situation of children, whatever circumstances they face.
As a response to Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Estonia built a kindergarten and family homes in Ovruch, Ukraine – with a bomb shelter to escape to. In Tallinn, Freedom School was established for Ukrainian children whom the Russian aggression forced to flee to Estonia. And we will not rest until Ukrainian children deported by Russia are returned to their homes and close ones.
Estonia is supporting the Call to Action for Palestinian Children – a 5-point action plan launched by the EU, Jordan and Belgium, aiming to raise awareness and increase humanitarian support for Palestinian children. We are persistent donors of UNICEF, UNRWA, WFP and UNFPA. Estonia reiterates the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, including children. And focusing on girls from Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan, Estonian NGOs work hard in the field of education, including digital literacy.
Chair,
In the context of the advancement of digital technologies, we must acknowledge emerging threats on human, rights and ensure that appropriate measures and necessary safeguards are set up to protect us against malicious activity. International human rights law must also be respected in the digital sphere.
We stand firm in protecting human rights online and offline as one of the founding members of the Freedom Online Coalition that we will be chairing from January 2025 as well as the Media Freedom Coalition, that we co-chair since July 2023.
Media freedom and Internet freedom are increasingly intertwined. Freedom of expression is one of the foundations of a democratic and pluralistic society. The role of the media and journalism in finding out, verifying and distributing information is crucial in shaping public debate. Yet, journalists and media workers risk their life while doing their job, high levels of impunity remain as an urgent challenge, and Internet shutdowns are becoming more frequent.
Chair,
5 minutes only allow me to address a fraction of Estonia’s activities in promoting and protecting human rights. There are a number of topics – such as women’s rights, the rights of Indigenous Peoples and LGBTIQ+ persons, and freedom of religion and belief – that I did not have time to touch upon today. I would like to assure you that Estonia is working on advancing human rights for all. We can clearly see that upholding human rights will make our societies more cohesive and prosperous.
Thank you.