Aet Kukk, Executive Director of the Estonian Institute of Human Rights and Member of the Chancellor of Justice’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Has Passed Away

In memoriam Aet Kukk
(18 August 1967 – 14 October 2026)

Aet Kukk worked in the field of human rights for many years, both in Estonia and abroad through international cooperation projects. Over the past decade, under her leadership, commemorative events were organised in March, June and September at Freedom Square, Tammsaare Park, and the Viru and Solaris shopping centres in Tallinn to keep alive the memory of those who were deported and those who fled by boat, and to preserve historical memory.

Aet Kukk also led the organisation of the annual Human Rights Conference.

She also actively contributed to the work of several important advisory councils and institutions. Since 2019, she had been a member of the Chancellor of Justice’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights. She was also a member of the Council of the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory and the Academic Council of the Master’s Programme in International Law and Human Rights at the University of Tartu Faculty of Law.

Since 2023, she had represented Estonia on the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).

In 2022, the President of the Republic awarded her the Order of the White Star, Fifth Class, in recognition of her outstanding work in the field of human rights.

Aet devoted herself to her work with exceptional thoroughness, determination and an uncompromising commitment to quality. She continued working at the Estonian Institute of Human Rights until the end of her life. She had begun this work many years earlier at the same institute alongside her partner and husband, Mart Nutt. Following his passing in 2019, she became the head of the institute.

Aet had a deep interest in politics and developments in society and was highly knowledgeable about these matters. She had an ability to look beyond the surface of events, draw connections and understand the underlying factors shaping political developments.

Aet Kukk’s passing is a painful loss for everyone who knew her and worked with her. Her dedication to human rights, the preservation of historical memory and her principles will remain part of Estonia’s collective memory. We will remember her as someone who put her heart into her work and whose contribution and lasting impact on Estonian society will not be forgotten.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Aet’s loved ones, friends, colleagues and everyone who shared her journey.