On 14 October, Estonia was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–2028 period, the second time Estonia has become a member of the Council.
According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the membership reaffirms Estonia’s credibility and active role as a global advocate for human rights. “We have consistently stood for a world order based on the UN Charter and international law, where human rights are guaranteed for all – regardless of race, nationality, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation,” Tsahkna emphasised.
The minister added that in the face of rising authoritarian forces and the retreat of democratic values, it is crucial that human rights remain central to global politics. “Membership of the UNHRC gives Estonia the opportunity to champion key human rights issues on a global scale and help shape an international value system that respects and protects fundamental rights.”
Estonia’s work in the Human Rights Council will focus on three priority areas. The first is the protection of children’s rights. “Children are increasingly becoming targets in armed conflicts,” Tsahkna noted. He highlighted that since the start of Russia’s aggression, more than 3,000 Ukrainian children have been killed or injured, and over 19,500 have been deported to Russia. “We must do everything to end all forms of violence against children and ensure that every child has the chance to grow up in a peaceful and safe environment.”
The second priority is safeguarding human rights in the digital environment. The foreign minister stressed that Estonia is committed to ensuring that the same human rights standards apply online as well as offline. “New technologies, artificial intelligence, and the digital space must respect the principles of international law, including human rights. Our goal is to secure an inclusive, open, safe, and human-centred digital future for all and to reduce the global digital divide.” Estonia is also serving as chair of the Freedom Online Coalition in 2025.
The third focus is on promoting media freedom. “Looking back on our history, we know all too well how difficult life is in a society where freedom of expression is restricted and independent journalism is banned,” Tsahkna said. “That’s why it is vital for us to preserve an independent and diverse media landscape.” Estonia’s second-place ranking in the 2025 Press Freedom Index and its role as co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition (July 2023 – July 2025) underscore its commitment to maintaining an open and democratic media space.
In addition to these three focus areas, Estonia will continue to direct its efforts towards promoting and protecting women’s rights, raising awareness of the links between human rights and the climate crisis, and combating impunity.
The UN Human Rights Council was established in 2006 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly. It is an intergovernmental body tasked with the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. The Council consists of 47 member states elected for three-year terms. Estonia previously served on the Council from 2013 to 2015.
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