HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL, 62nd Session
Informal High-Level Discussion on the Occasion of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Human Rights Council Under the theme: “Twenty Years, One Council: What We Have Built, and Where We Go Next”
Statement by Estonia on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
19 June 2026
I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
As we mark twenty years of the Human Rights Council, it is clear that the Council has become a central global body for the promotion and protection of human rights. It has provided a platform for dialogue, accountability and engagement, including through mechanisms such as the Universal Periodic Review. It has made a difference, including in our own region.
The Council has also ensured that civil society, national human rights institutions, human rights defenders, victims and survivors have a voice in global discussions — something that is especially important at a time when multilateralism is under significant pressure. We also welcome the increased cooperation with the regional organizations that have a clear human rights mandate – (ASEAN representative on the podium).
We welcome today's focus on impact. The real test of our work is whether it leads to meaningful improvements in people’s lives and true empowerment of individuals. To ensure that the mandates we create translate into real change, we also need to secure adequate and predictable funding for the entire human rights system, including investigative mechanisms, special procedures and treaty bodies.
This brings me to my question for the panelists.
Looking ahead to the next twenty years, what do you see as the most effective ways to strengthen follow-up to Council resolutions and how to ensure that states actually implement them on the ground? Hence, how can we ensure that people beyond this room can see and feel the impact of the Council’s work?
Thank you.