The Estonian Human Rights Centre (EHRC) is launching a project together with Estonian civil society organisations working on equal treatment and human rights, with the aim of strengthening rights-based cooperation. Grounded in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the project prepares civil society for the 2027 Riigikogu elections, when fundamental rights, minority issues, and democracy are expected to face greater pressure in public debate than usual.
According to the European Civil Liberties Union’s (Liberties) 2026 Rule of Law Report, Estonia has slipped from its previously improving trajectory into stagnation, with the report highlighting warning signs for democracy. Estonian civil society organisations are experts in their respective fields, but their voices often reach public debate in a fragmented way. Through this project, we hope to improve cooperation between civil society organisations and bring a cross-sectoral, unified voice that emphasises human rights into the pre-election public debate.
“At a time when people’s wellbeing, fundamental rights, and democracy are under threat, echo chambers amplify negativity and many turn to simple solutions and populists as a result — the shared voice of civil society organisations and minorities is more important than ever. It helps protect what has always made Estonia Estonia: human dignity, peaceful coexistence, and respect for the human rights of all people,” explains Kelly Grossthal, Equal Treatment Expert at EHRC, on the need for the project.
The project “One Voice, Shared Values: Estonian Civil Society for Fundamental Rights” offers civil society organisations working on human rights, equal treatment, and minority advocacy a common analytical framework and form of cooperation, enabling them to communicate the value of fundamental rights and democracy more effectively — both to their own target groups and to society at large. The project launches on 22 June and runs for six months.
The project is funded by the European Civil Liberties Union (Liberties) with European Union resources
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