60 the Session of the Human Rights Council: Statement on Item 4 – General debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, delivered by H.E. Ms. Riia Salsa-Audiffren, 23 September
Mr. President,
Estonia aligns with the EU statement.
We express our concerns over the human rights situations in Afghanistan, Burundi, DPRK, Myanmar, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and refer to respective Nordic-Baltic statements.
Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues in full force and has turned more deadly, with daily attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including kindergartens, schools, and hospitals. It is profoundly concerning that Russia’s continued actions of forcible abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children, systematically erasing their cultural identity and subjecting them to indoctrination –constitute flagrant violations of international law and amount to crimes against humanity. Estonia also reiterates its resolute condemnation of human rights violations, including severe repression, arbitrary detentions, and sexual and gender-based violence committed in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In addition to Ukraine, Russia is dangerously escalating in the wider region. The recent violations of the Estonian, but also Polish and Romanian airspace are the examples of Russia’s complete disregard of international norms and fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, enshrined in the UN Charter.
Within Russia, the state continues to expand its repressive apparatus and identifies as ‘enemies’ anyone perceived as dissenting from official narratives. Dissent is silenced through arbitrary detention, torture, and politically motivated prosecutions. These actions constitute a clear violation of Russia’s international human rights obligations. and contribute to the ongoing erosion of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In Palestine, and especially in Gaza, the ongoing hostilities and the restriction of life-saving humanitarian aid continue to cause famine, disease and death. Israel has an obligation to respect international law. War will not bring lasting peace; we call for a return to negotiations to release the hostages and end the war in Gaza.
Thank you!