Advance questions:
- Reports suggest that hate speech has become more apparent in connection with public debates over such issues as the Cohabitation Act, immigration and refugees. What measures are being implemented to address the issue of hate speech and hate crimes?
- Estonia has a significant number of stateless residents. What efforts are being made to further reduce statelessness and to facilitate access to citizenship for long-term residents in Estonia?
- The Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner has an important role to play in Estonia, in particular in light of challenges related to gender equality and the equal treatment of sexual and ethnic minorities. What steps will be taken to make available sufficient financial and human resources to enable the Commissioner to fulfil her responsibilities in accordance with the Gender Equality Act and the Equal Treatment Act?
- There has been reports of several incidents of ill-treatment of persons deprived of their freedom in prisons and detention centers. The material conditions in several prisons and detention centers have also been criticized. What measures are being taken to address these issues?
Statement:
Norway welcomes the Estonian delegation and commend Estonia’s dedication to the UPR process.
Your national report confirms a strong commitment to fundamental human rights.
Norway notes that challenges remain in relation to non-Estonian residents, in particular related to socio-economic conditions. Norway recommends that Estonia intensify efforts to address the disadvantages faced by minority groups with regard to employment and remuneration based on language proficiency.
We regard the improved availability of Russian language broadcasting as a helpful step in the integration of the Russian speaking population. We recognize amendments to the Citizenship Act as a significant contribution to addressing the problem of persons without citizenship. Norway recommends that Estonia continue efforts to reduce statelessness and to facilitate access to citizenship for long-term residents in Estonia.
Norway welcomes the adoption and entering into force of the Registered Partnership Act, which recognizes same-sex marriages and partnerships.
We recommend that Estonia increases the resources allocated to the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner as a matter of priority.
Reports suggest that incitement to hatred, violence and discrimination has become more apparent in debates over such issues as the Registered Partnership Act and immigration. Norway recommends Estonia to strengthen the Penal Code as an effective instrument in combating hate speech.