A/HRC/17/17
full implementation together with the Gender Equality Act. Turkey encouraged Estonia to
continue the naturalization process by providing the necessary assistance to citizenship
applicants. Turkey also welcomed Estonia’s efforts to combat human trafficking and to
protect the rights of children. Turkey made a recommendation.
47.
Argentina welcomed the measures taken to address discrimination against
minorities. It commended Estonia’s achievements with regard to human rights education in
primary and secondary school curricula, and training for civil servants. It noted with
appreciation the measures taken to combat gender violence. Argentina made
recommendations.
48.
Latvia noted with interest the transition from Russian-speaking schools to partial
instruction in Estonian, and considered that this model of bilingual education was effective
for improving the knowledge of the State language, guaranteeing equal study and working
opportunities for graduates, while supporting their ethnic identity. It acknowledged that the
implementation of Estonia’s integration policy had brought positive changes in society, and
played an important role in creating tolerance and diversity. Latvia made recommendations.
49.
Austria applauded Estonia for its efforts to curb trafficking in human beings, and
asked about the focus of Estonia’s future action in this regard. Austria enquired about the
penitentiary system and Estonia’s efforts to improve detention conditions. Austria was
concerned about discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, especially against the Roma
community, in realms of education, employment, and culture. Austria asked about measures
to combat prejudices faced by the Roma. Austria made recommendations.
50.
Azerbaijan welcomed Estonia’s voluntary contribution to international human rights
and humanitarian-related organizations. It highlighted Estonia’s cooperation with the
United Nations human rights procedures. It noted the Development Plan for the Reduction
of Violence, aimed at preventing violence against women and domestic violence, and
welcomed the adoption of the Strategy for Guaranteeing the Rights of Children. It
commended the measures taken to prevent trafficking in human beings. Azerbaijan made
recommendations.
51.
Hungary welcomed human rights education and training as part of the Estonian
national curriculum. Hungary noted the steps taken towards gender equality, and women
and children’s rights, but was concerned about the lack of resources of the Gender Equality
Commissioner, and the definition of torture in the Penal Code. Hungary noted the increased
cases of human trafficking. Hungary enquired about plans to ratify the Convention against
Stateless Persons and to ease naturalization requirements. Hungary made recommendations.
52.
China commended the Equal Treatment Act as an important step for social justice
and the fight against discrimination. Though still faced with issues such as citizenship and
integration of non-citizens, thanks to nearly two decades of efforts, Estonia has made
considerable progress for social cohesion. Estonia has also formulated relevant strategies
and measures to promote the right to work and the rights of the child and the elderly, and to
combat human trafficking. China made a recommendation.
53.
The Government planed to strengthen measures to ensure gender equality. It has
started implementing the new programme to promote gender equality for 2010–2013,
which includes awareness-raising initiatives targeting employees and employers. Estonia
has also joined the Europe-wide community of practice on gender equality. The delegation
acknowledged the lack of resources available to the Commissioner on Gender Equality and
Equal Treatment. To address this issue, the Ministry of Social Affairs, in cooperation with
the Commissioner, has implemented joint projects.
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