NOTE: The 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices were released on March 20, 2023. The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department …
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August 24, 2022 Today marks the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, but also six months since the Russian government’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As we mark this day, we honor the resolve of the Ukrainian people, their strong desire to remain independent, and their courage and strength to defend freedom and democracy. We renew …
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ESTONIA (Tier 1) The Government of Estonia fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking. The government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore Estonia remained on Tier 1. These efforts included ordering convicted traffickers to pay …
Read More» OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM JUNE 2, 2022 Executive Summary The constitution declares there is no state church and protects the freedom of individuals to practice their religion. It prohibits the incitement of religious hatred, violence, or discrimination. The law establishes registration of religious associations and religious societies and regulates their activities. Unregistered religious associations …
Read More» NOTE: The 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices were released on April 12, 2022. The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department …
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U.S. Summit for Democracy, Featuring Estonian Prime Minister and Youth Leader, Reinforces Global Commitment to Democracy and Human Rights December 9, 2021 United States President Joe Biden welcomes world leaders from 110 countries, including Estonia, to the virtual Summit for Democracy on December 9-10, 2021. The Summit, which includes participation by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas …
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November 25, 2021 Ambassadors and Embassies from Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States in Estonia speak out and take a stand. They join 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) “Orange the World: End Violence against …
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THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENTS AND RELEASES August 9, 2021 National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke today with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia to reinforce the strong bilateral relations between our countries, international economic cooperation, and their shared support for transparent infrastructure investments in Europe and around the world. Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the unwavering U.S. support for the …
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August 6, 2021 The United States Embassies in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are proud to celebrate Baltic Pride 2021 with LGBTQI+ communities across the region. Pride is about equality, respect, justice, courage, and above all, love. It is a time to celebrate, but also a time to recommit ourselves to building a safer, more inclusive …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON JULY 26, 2021 The following statement was released by the Governments of Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Guatemala, Greece, Honduras, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, and the United States of America. Begin text: We, the Foreign Ministers of Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, …
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July 8, 2021 A delegation from the United States Congress visited Estonia, July 6-8, to meet with Estonian leaders. While in Tallinn, the delegation met with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets, former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Chair of the Riigikogu Foreign Affairs Committee Marko Mihkelson. The delegation also traveled to …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE JUNE 1, 2021 During this year’s Pride Month, we celebrate an important message: “You are Included.” The diverse experiences, perspectives, and contributions of the State Department community make our institution stronger and advance the goals of American diplomacy. Out of many, we are one. The Department has committed to increasing U.S. engagement on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and …
Read More» MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 29, 2021 The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition condemn in the strongest terms Belarus’ forced diversion and landing of a commercial aircraft and subsequent arrest of journalist Roman Protasevich. This unprecedented and shocking action constitutes a full frontal attack on media freedom and has serious implications on the right …
Read More» May 17, 2021 On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), we express our commitment to equality for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no matter who they …
Read More» OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM May 12, 2021 Executive Summary The constitution declares there is no state church and protects the freedom of individuals to practice their religion. It prohibits the incitement of religious hatred, violence, or discrimination. The law establishes registration of religious associations and religious societies and regulates their activities. Unregistered religious associations …
Read More» NOTE: The 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices were released on March 30, 2021. The annual reports cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United …
Read More» PRESS STATEMENT ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 4, 2021 Today, President Biden signed a Presidential Memorandum directing all U.S. government departments and agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons around the world. The struggle to end violence, discrimination, criminalization, and stigma …
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For immediate release. October 22, 2020. On October 20 and 21, USAID Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick visited Estonia to meet with Estonian government officials and private-sector technology companies to discuss U.S.- Estonia relations, opportunities for increased development cooperation in third countries, countering malign Kremlin influence, and USAID’s efforts to advance European and Eurasian countries …
Read More» 2019 Report on International Religious Freedom: Estonia Office of International Religious Freedom Executive Summary The constitution declares there is no state church and protects the freedom of individuals to practice their religion. It prohibits the incitement of religious hatred, violence, or discrimination. The law establishes registration of religious associations and religious societies and regulates their activities. Unregistered religious associations …
Read More» World Press Freedom Day PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 2, 2020 On World Press Freedom Day, recognized around the world on May 3, we highlight the critical role of independent media in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas so vital to free, prosperous, and secure democratic societies. This year, as the world faces the …
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On June 27, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released the 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report. “Human trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights issues of our time. It splinters families, distorts global markets, undermines the rule of law, and spurs other transnational criminal activity. It threatens public safety and national security. “But …
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