Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: abolition of education in Russian does not contradict international law

The decision to abolish education in Russian in Estonia does not violate international law and the country’s international obligations. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Margus Tsahkna.

“The government’s decision to switch to teaching in the state language as part of the education system reform is fully consistent with Estonia’s international obligations,” he emphasized (quoted by Postimees).

The Minister explained that agreements relating to human rights and the practice established on their basis do not imply mandatory state funding for education in any particular language or language of choice.

According to Tsakhkna, national minorities, including Russians, have the opportunity to preserve their language and culture. He emphasized that the decision of the Estonian government “meets the interests of all children living in Estonia” and provides equal opportunities to receive a quality education.

Tsahkna has previously said that the country’s transition to Estonian-language education does not violate the rights of national minorities. He considered an unfounded attempt to link the transition with the guarantee of human rights.

17 August Office of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights statedthat Estonian standards are contrary to international human rights treaties. In particular, the document expresses concern about how the education reform will affect the Russian-speaking population of the country.

In December 2022, the Estonian parliament overwhelmingly supported a law establishing the procedure for transferring the entire education system in the country into the Estonian language. From 2024 to 2025, kindergartens and primary schools will switch to Estonian, and until 2029-2030. the share of lessons in the state language will have to reach at least 60%. Also, from 2024, teachers will be required to know the state language at level C1, and they will only be able to “conduct educational and educational activities in a language other than Estonian” with the permission of the government.