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Description
The project helps to increase EHRC''s reach, bringing together people from all over Estonia for whom it is important to stand up for human rights. The existing program of human rights ambassadors will be expanded so that it grows and operates sustainably and supports the awareness-raising about the need for human rights protection at the grassroots level in different regions of Estonia.
Human rights ambassadors are people operating in different regions all over Estonia who care about the sense of security of their community and respect the equal human dignity of every person. In order to better integrate the ambassadors, existing basic training will be expanded and complemented, and joint events and meetings will be held. To empower the ambassadors, a toolbox will be developed, which every ambassador can use to raise awareness of human rights. In order to achieve a wider regional coverage, the network of ambassadors will be expanded and a program will be developed to create new ambassadors. In order to raise awareness of human rights, the ambassadors organize activities in various regions of Estonia and keep the EHRC team informed of the human rights related concerns and joys, challenges and opportunities of the people in the community.
The target group of the project is the leaders of the human rights movement, who will be given the resources, knowledge and opportunities to contribute to the protection of human rights in their community, and the residents of different regions of Estonia, who will be better informed about human rights issues. The final beneficiaries are vulnerable groups, who will be able to seek help as a result of awareness-raising, the Estonian Human Rights Centre, which will be better able to mobilize volunteers and involve local communities, and Estonian society as a whole, which will be more aware of human rights issues.
Summary of project results
Since regaining independence, Estonia has undergone significant development in regard to upholding human rights. However, the rise of intolerant rhetoric in recent years and increasingly dominant perception that human rights are merely the rights of the majority raise concerns about future progress. The 2020 Human Rights Report revealed, for the first time in its history, that the human rights situation in Estonia has become a cause for concern. Threats to human rights include political pressure on journalists critical of the government, inadequate legislation on hate speech, and attacks on civil society.
To preserve past achievements and further promote human rights, it is essential to increase public engagement and awareness of human rights. Studies indicate that Estonians have limited knowledge about human rights and their violations. According to a 2019 study by Turu-Uuringute, 42% of respondents could not recall anything related to the concept of human rights or were unable to articulate a response. The same study highlighted significant regional disparities in awareness of human rights, tolerance, and understanding of the work of civil society organizations. Moreover, institutions dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights have lacked the capacity to effectively expand their activities beyond major cities, negatively impacting public awareness of the content and importance of human rights as a core value.
In 2018, the Estonian Human Rights Center (EIK) launched a pilot program for human rights ambassadors. These ambassadors are individuals who care about the safety of their communities and respect the equal dignity of every person. They share information about human rights, organize thematic activities, and keep the EIK team informed about their community''s concerns, challenges, and opportunities related to human rights. While the ambassadors'' work is voluntary, EIK covers related expenses, provides training, and supports them with expert knowledge and practical experience.
The human rights ambassadors program is a promising initiative that enables EIK to engage supporters, raise awareness of human rights issues, and maintain better contact with target groups. It offers an institutional framework through which participating ambassadors can contribute to the advancement of human rights. In the current climate, where civil society organizations often face attacks and funding cuts, it is crucial to have a broader group of individuals capable of communicating the necessity and values of human rights.
Nevertheless, the ambassador program still faces several shortcomings that hinder its development:
a) Limited synergy between the network, the EIK’s other activities, communications, and team.
b) Lack of consolidated and easily accessible materials to raise awareness about human rights.
c) Insufficient capacity to reach target groups in various regions of Estonia.
The activities undertaken within this project will address these issues, thereby ensuring the sustainability and impact of the ambassador program.
The activities carried out within the framework of the project were twofold: first, empowering human rights ambassadors to ensure the sustainability of their work, and second, fostering stronger connections between the Estonian Human Rights Center and various communities across the country. To support the ambassadors, a toolkit was developed, communication plan and channels established, a workshop on using the toolkit was created, new ambassadors were recruited and trained, and joint strategy seminars were organized.
During the project period, four new ambassadors joined the group, in addition to the eight who were involved from the start of the project. These new ambassadors came from three different counties. All ambassadors participated in the toolkit training and noted a significant increase in their knowledge.
The second set of activities targeted various communities across Estonia to strengthen the visibility and presence of the Human Rights Center regionally. A total of 14 events were organized, involving 878 participants. In addition to Tallinn, events took place in six other regions: Haapsalu, Tartu, Pärnu, Toila, Narva, and Sinimäe. Five of the activities were targeted, focusing on specific groups, including three for youth, one for seniors, and one for people with refugee backgrounds. The events included community festivals, film screenings, panel discussions, and debates. Articles were published, and activities were carried out in schools and youth centers. The Center was also represented at the Teeviit, an information webinar for the youth, and the Sign Language Festival. Such events and activities help integrate human rights into everyday life, raising general awareness and sensitivity toward human rights issues.
The project has made a significant contribution to the promotion and strengthening of human rights in Estonia. The engagement and education of communities, combined with the empowerment of ambassadors provide a strong foundation for a broader understanding and respect for human rights principles. This not only supports the protection of human rights but also fosters societal cohesion and diversity.
The target group of the project consisted of human rights ambassadors, who are perceived as community leaders within the human rights movement, who were provided with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to contribute to the protection of human rights within their communities. The presence and expertise of these individuals will support the protection and respect of human rights and minority rights both now and in the future, at both national and local levels. Additionally, these individuals have gained an understanding of the role of civil society organizations in society and will be equipped to contribute to their work in the future.
The broader aim of the project was to increase awareness of the possibility of seeking assistance from the Human Rights Center. During the project period, the number of inquiries to the Center grew significantly—by an impressive 1200%. This surge was primarily due to Russia''s full-scale war against Ukraine, which resulted in a large number of war refugees seeking assistance.
A survey conducted by Turu-Uuringute AS in 2023 revealed tha 70% of the population recognized keywords associated with human rights, a 20% increase compared to the start of the project. Key areas of focus included refugee rights, equal treatment, and combating hate speech.