On 19 and 20 February 2019, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) conducted its third periodic review of Estonia’s human rights situation pertaining to the issues falling under the Committee’s mandate. The review took place within the framework of the Committee’s 65th session in Geneva.
The review began with an overview of the status of economic, social and cultural rights in Estonia by the Head of the Estonian delegation. The delegation Head stressed progress in increasing healthy lifestyles, gender equality and the participation of people with disabilities in the broader society. In addition, he called attention to updates to the criminal code to address issues such as domestic violence and torture.
Following this introduction, the members of the Committee’s Working Group presented their comments on the Estonian National Report and posed a multitude of questions. Areas of concern included the high number of stateless persons in Estonia, relatively high unemployment among minority groups and a wide gender pay gap. In addition, the Committee inquired about a high poverty rate among the elderly population, a high drop-out rate among students and a large gender gap in education. The delegation responded to some of the comments, then offered some final remarks and promised to circulate within 48 hours statistical information on some of the issues raised.
After reviewing all available information, on 8 March 2019 the CESCR issued its Concluding Observations, including recommendations to the State party on how to improve certain aspects of the human rights situation concerning economic, social and cultural rights in the country.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) commends Estonia for its positive engagement in the review process and applauds the progress made by Estonia since its last review. However, many issues still face the educational system and there are serious differences in the situations of different ethnic groups in the country. GICJ supports Estonia’s efforts to address these inequalities and all its other efforts to ensure the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by all residents of Estonia.
