FOREIGN MINISTER OF ESTONIA ADDRESSES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Commission on Human Rights
58th session
5 April 2002
Morning



Afternoon "Special Sitting" Scheduled
on Situation in Occupied Palestine


The Foreign Minister of Estonia spoke this morning before the Commission on Human Rights, urging rapid and widespread ratification by States of the Rome Statute to establish an International Criminal Court.

Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland said creation of such a court would advance the cause of human rights, end impunity for those who committed crimes against humanity, and act as a guarantor of the administration of justice when a Member State was not willing or able to do so itself.

Ms. Ojuland also described Estonian Governmental efforts to enhance the rights of indigenous peoples, integrate minority groups into society, and improve the situation of women.

During a brief public session before the Commission went into a private meeting to continue its review of confidential human rights complaints against countries, the Commission decided after a short procedural discussion to hold a "special sitting" this afternoon on the situation in occupied Palestine.

The Commission will reconvene at 3 p.m. for its special sitting.

Statement

KRISTIINA OJULAND, Foreign Minister of Estonia, said establishment of the International Criminal Court would be a crucial step for strengthening international law and human rights. Estonia viewed such a court as an effective tool that would help end impunity for those who had committed crimes against humanity, and as a guarantor of the administration of justice when a Member State was not willing or able to do so itself. Estonia believed it was important that the Rome Statute be ratified by as many States as possible, as only the universal acceptance of the court could really make it effective and useful. The Estonian Parliament had adopted the ratification act of the Rome Statute last December and had deposited the instrument of ratification at the end of January.

While the interest in indigenous peoples and their cultures was stronger than ever, the rights of indigenous peoples, including their linguistic and cultural rights, continued to be at risk in many parts of the world, Ms. Ojuland said. The protection of the cultural and intellectual property of indigenous peoples everywhere was an issue of increasing importance and urgency. In Estonia, great importance had been paid to the activities and cultures of Finno-Ugric peoples. Over the years, Estonia had made efforts to keep and develop ties with them, while also promoting their cultures and languages. It was hoped that the activities undertaken within the framework of the Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples would increase awareness of the specific needs of indigenous peoples everywhere, and would provide solutions for their problems.

Ms. Ojuland said that since 1998, special attention had been paid to the concept of integrating the non-Estonian-speaking population into Estonian society. A State programme, "Integration in Estonian Society 2000-2007", had been approved by the Government in 2000. The programme was based on internationally recognized human rights concepts and Estonian national and social interests. It was aimed at developing an integrated society. In addition, Estonia had taken steps to promote gender mainstreaming. A new Gender Equality Act was under consideration in Parliament; and women's participation in politics was constantly increasing. One-third of the current Government's ministers were women.



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