Request to Downgrade Estonia’s Ombudsman from "A" to "B" Status at GANHRI
We, Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi), alongside Public Advocacy and Public Institution “Human Rights Protection” (VSI “ŽMOGAUS TEISIŲ APSAUGA”), have officially submitted a third-party request to the GANHRI Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) urging the downgrade of the Estonian Chancellor of Justice (Ombudsman) from “A” to “B” status.
Our Actions
This submission is based on verifiable evidence that the Chancellor of Justice systematically fails to uphold international human rights standards, particularly by:
🔹 Ignoring acute and politically sensitive human rights issues in Estonia.
🔹 Aligning with government narratives at the expense of fundamental freedoms.
🔹 Failing to act independently and effectively to protect minority rights, freedom of expression, and religious freedom.
The Paris Principles require NHRIs with “A” status to demonstrate full compliance with independence, transparency, and engagement with international human rights mechanisms. Estonia’s NHRI, however, has repeatedly fallen short of these obligations, warranting a downgrade in its accreditation.
We also submitted a legal analysis highlighting how Estonia’s proposed restrictions on religious organizations violate international human rights law, further reinforcing concerns about the Ombudsman’s failure to provide independent oversight.
Resolution
After waiting for the review process at GANHRI’s March 2025 re-accreditation session, the outcome is successful. This submission was an important step in ensuring that NHRIs remain accountable to their obligations under international law.