Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights visited the Chancellor of Justice

On 13 June, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović visited the Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise to discuss the current state and implications of human rights in Estonia.

The Commissioner focused on three main topics: women rights, gender equality and the human rights of elders. “Estonia has been developing at a fast pace, but some people in the country risk being left behind. To achieve a more inclusive society, Estonia should combat discrimination and abuses against older persons, tackle the gender pay gap and violence against women, and devote more efforts to building social cohesion,” said the Commissioner.

Chancellor of Justice has met the Commissioner for Human Rights before. The previous Commissioner Nils Muižnieks visited the Chancellor of Justice in 2013 and in 2016.

The main objectives of the Commissioner for Human Rights are to foster the effective observance of human rights, and assist member states in the implementation of Council of Europe human rights standards; promote education in and awareness of human rights in member states; identify possible shortcomings in the law and practice concerning human rights; facilitate the activities of national ombudsperson institutions and other human rights structures; and provide advice and information regarding the protection of human rights across the region.

Dunja Mijatović was elected as the Commissioner for Human Rights on 25 January in 2018. She is the fourth Commissioner, succeeding Nils Muižnieks (2012-2018), Thomas Hammarberg (2006-2012) and Alvaro Gil-Robles (1999-2006).