On 19-20 February, Estonia presented its third periodic report at the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The Estonian delegation briefed the committee on recent developments in Estonia related to areas covered by the pact. The committee was particularly interested in progress made and challenges faced by Estonia in the social sphere, with issues such as the pay gap, poverty, and the system of pensions and incapacity for work benefits.
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was opened for signature on 19 December 1966 in New York. Estonia joined the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights by the decision of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia in 26 September 1991. The covenant entered into force for Estonia in 21 January 1992.
All parties to the covenant must submit a periodic report within two years after the covenant takes effect in the respective participating country, and must subsequently submit a report every five years. In the report, the state indicates which measures it has taken to implement the rights recognised in the covenant, and what kind of progress has been made in exercising these rights.
The Estonian delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
