Dear reader
The 2026 Human Rights Report simultaneously reflects the resilience and the vulnerability of our society. Indicators of resilience include our stable democratic governance and functioning judiciary; our vulnerability is reflected in the persistently tense security situation, the uncertainty created by rapid technological change, and budgetary choices that leave the most vulnerable without necessary protection. The Human Rights Report points out that the state has, in several contentious issues, adopted a rather defensive position and has not set itself the clear goal of shaping the functioning of public authority in a way that would ensure the best possible protection of fundamental rights.
Clearly, data protection issues have risen to the center of public awareness this year. New surveillance capabilities – such as a nationwide network of license plate recognition cameras and access solutions that breach banking secrecy – have been expanded even before the legislator has managed to establish their purposes, mandates, and necessary legal safeguards. The vague framework is not merely a legal subtlety: when a person does not know when and under what conditions their data is processed, fear of the state and distrust toward it increase. Transparent rules, notification obligations, and effective avenues for complaints must be incorporated into laws and practice, not remain at the level of good intentions (see the chapters on private and family life and freedom of expression). To ensure that AI does not become a danger and take our soul in the name of convenience, every digital solution must be introduced with clear limits, accountability, and oversight.
Estonia remains in a good position internationally in the field of judicial proceedings, but the lack of resources and heavy workload are being felt more acutely. According to market research data, trust in the court system decreased from 71 percent in 2023 to 63 percent in 2024. When court proceedings take longer and legal protection becomes inaccessible in some regions, those who already have fewer opportunities suffer the most. To maintain legal peace and trust, it is important that budgetary decisions do not close doors to the more vulnerable (see the chapter on the right to a fair trial).
In the field of equal treatment, the role of the state remained hesitant. A draft prepared in 2024 in cooperation with advocacy organizations, which would have consolidated the rules on gender equality and equal treatment into a unified framework and offered better protection, was halted by a decision of the Ministry of Justice, which opted to commission an alternative solution from a law firm. The new version of the draft has not yet been presented to the public. The delays caused by the interruption of the process leave without protection precisely those who need it most (see the chapters on the prohibition of discrimination and the situation of LGBT+ people).
In integration policy, the topic has remained in focus due to the constitutional amendment that removed local voting rights from third-country nationals, the discussion on the Churches and Congregations Act, and the transition to Estonian-language education. At the same time, the 2024 integration monitoring confirms that attitudes supportive of integration prevail among both Estonians and residents of other ethnic backgrounds. This creates an opportunity to hold difficult discussions calmly while maintaining a unified public space (see the chapter on national minorities and integration policy).
The impact of budget decisions is felt most painfully in the field of children’s and social rights. Tax changes and cuts made without impact assessments put additional pressure on single mothers, large families, people with disabilities, and non-Estonians; funding for hobby education has been reduced by roughly one third over the past five years, and the availability of several benefits and services has decreased. Such choices increase inequality and reduce access to services precisely where support is most needed (see the chapters on the rights of the child and social human rights).
The situation of people with disabilities clearly illustrates how economic decisions hit the most vulnerable: accessibility of the built environment and services requires consistent attention, special care services are underfunded and waiting lists are long – these are not merely administrative issues but direct obstacles to participating in society (see the chapter on the situation of people with disabilities).
Freedom of expression, assembly, and association need protection even in tense times. Broadly worded prohibitions can create uncertainty in which the line between what is permitted and what is forbidden becomes blurred. Regarding § 151¹ of the Penal Code, the Supreme Court has confirmed that it may not be possible to derive the provision’s constitutional limits from its wording alone. For this provision as well as for other initiatives that seek to criminalize, for example, the “viewing of terrorist propaganda” without clear boundaries, it must be kept in mind that vague restrictions reduce people’s willingness to participate in public debate and lead to self-censorship (see the chapters on freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association).
The outlook for the future is positive if we are able to change our perspective: the protection of fundamental rights is security policy carried out for the sake of the future. Lennart Meri observed: “Security guarantees for a state can be given only by its own people.” A cohesive and united population is the foundation of a strong society. Therefore, Estonia needs the courage to articulate people’s rights as a clear priority, rather than merely putting out individual fires. This applies even in difficult times.
The original purpose of the state is simple: to serve the individual and the people. The preamble of the Constitution affirms that the Estonian state is founded on freedom, justice, and law – which is also the core of human rights protection. Human Rights in Estonia is the only independent overview of the state of fundamental rights in Estonia. At the same time, it is a contribution to the cohesion and sense of security of Estonian society.
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