The UN Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography Najat M’jid Maalla presented her evaluation of Estonia at the 12th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Wednesday, 16 September. Maalla visited Estonia in October of 2008.
In her presentation, Special Rapporteur Maalla recognised Estonia’s strong political will to address the given topic and noted that the number of cases of the sale of children and child prostitution and pornography is very small in Estonia. The rapporteur also stated that Estonia has employed many measures and implemented many reforms to protect the rights of children. In talking about changes that took place after Maalla’s visit, the rapporteur made a recommendation to continue with the plan to give the Chancellor of Justice institution the role of Ombudsman of children’s rights as well.
In his response, Estonia’s Permanent Representative in Geneva Jüri Seilenthal thanked the special rapporteur and confirmed Estonia’s continuing desire to promote and protect human rights. The ambassador supplemented the special rapporteur’s presentation with an overview of recent developments in legislation and government activities.
The report can be read here:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/...
Estonia has submitted its candidacy to become a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2012.
SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE