Mr. President,
Estonia aligns with the EU statement. With regard to the situations in Haiti, Ukraine, DRC, South Sudan and CAR, we refer to Nordic-Baltic statements during the respective interactive dialogues.
We are alarmed by the continuous serious human rights violations in the regions of Georgia, in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, occupied by Russia. The issues related to freedom of movement, ongoing “borderisation” and access to essential services in these occupied regions remain of great concern. Furthermore, there are nine Georgian citizens in illegal detention on fabricated charges.
European Court of Human Rights has confirmed the effective control of the Russian Federation over Abkhazia and South Ossetia and its responsibility for human rights violations in these regions.
We call on Russia and the other de facto authorities to grant immediate and unimpeded access to and cooperate with international and regional human rights mechanisms. The human rights violations in the occupied regions of Georgia must come to an end, bringing all the perpetrators to justice.
We welcome Georgia’s ongoing cooperation with the OHCHR.
However, we are also deeply concerned on the rapidly deteriorating situation of the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression in Georgia. The hastily passed new laws and legislative changes restrict the rights of the civil society, independent media and minority groups. The acts of disproportionate violence by police and special forces against peaceful protesters, opposition figures and media workers are disturbing. None of these incidents have been properly investigated and have so far led to any charges or convictions.
Hereby we reiterate the call by High Commissioner for Human Rights from last December on the Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
To conclude, Estonia strongly supports the OHCHR’s important work in providing technical assistance and expert guidance to contribute to countries’ efforts to ensure the effective implementation of international human rights obligations and thanks the OHCHR for its active engagement with all stakeholders.
Thank you!