Formin: Estonia emphasizing principles of intl law in UN

TALLINN - At a sitting of the foreign affairs committee of the parliament, Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna underscored that Estonia's central aim is to draw member states' attention to the principles of international law, upholding them, and the importance of preserving the rules-based international order founded on the UN Charter.

He stressed that reforming the United Nations, including the Security Council, is key to defending and strengthening this order.

"We are in a situation where one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Russia -- is waging a brutal war of aggression against another UN member state -- Ukraine -- consistently ignoring the principles enshrined in the UN Charter," the minister said.

"The future of the UN, its authority, and its credibility as a guardian of peace depend on the outcome of the war in Ukraine. Estonia's position is clear -- a just and lasting peace will come to Ukraine once the country's territorial integrity is restored, the initiators of aggression have been held accountable, and the aggressor has compensated for all the war damage it has caused."

The high-level week of the UN General Assembly will provide an opportunity to engage in dialogue with the broader international community and to highlight the need for continued support to Ukraine.

The minister added that the UN80 reform process, launched this year by the UN secretary-general, is an important step towards making the organization more effective and responsive.

"We need an organization that can respond effectively to today's challenges. Gross violations of the UN Charter, including acts of aggression and breaches of territorial integrity, are unacceptable," Tsahkna stressed.

"At the same time, UN decisions must become more inclusive. No nation's suffering is greater than another's. We can deal with crises across the world and enhance people's security and well-being if we act together in line with fair and agreed rules," he said.

The foreign minister also noted that the protection of human rights and their central place in the international mindset must remain among the priorities of this year's high-level week.

"The protection and promotion of human rights must not fade from international discussions but must remain a consistent and universal value," he underlined.

Estonia is running for a seat in the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2026-2028 in the elections held this October.

Tsahkna also briefed the members of the foreign affairs committee on the New York Declaration, which aims to promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and support the implementation of the two-state solution. The declaration sets out clear demands for both parties, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of international law, ensuring the openness of humanitarian corridors, and releasing hostages. At the UN General Assembly session held last Friday, Sept. 12, the declaration received the support of 142 member states, including Estonia.

The high-level week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly will take place in New York from Sept. 22 to 30 and the Estonian delegation will be led by President Alar Karis.