Estonia

Estonia

Right	Section	Contents
Freedom of Association	History	The first assertion of a right to association in Estonia is in the Estonian Declaration of Independence, written on February 23, 1918. The right is asserted as the third of the numbered principles in the Declaration. (“Estonian Declaration of Independence”, 1918) “Estonian Declaration of Independence.” 1918. Declaration Project. February 23. https://declarationproject.org/?p=1725.
Freedom of Expression	History	The country of Estonia has had three separate governing constitutions, the first of which was enacted in 1920. Section II, Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia declares that “In Esthonia there is freedom for the expression of personal ideas in words, print, letters, pictures and sculpture. This freedom can be restricted only in the defense of the State and morals. There is no censorship in Esthonia.” Sources: “Northwestern SSO.” n.d. Prd-Nusso.it.northwestern.edu. Accessed June 8, 2024. https://heinonline-org.turing.library.northwestern.edu/HOL/Page?collection=co w&handle=hein.cow/zzee0004&id=2&men_tab=srchresults. “Constitution of Estonia.” 2024. Wikipedia. April 25, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Estonia#cite_note-5. https://www.eesti.ee/en/republic-of-estonia/human-rights/freedom-of-speech-and-religion
Freedom of Religion	History	The first constitution of Estonia, created in 1920, grants Estonian citizens the right to freedom of religion. Paragraph 6 and 11 states that there is freedom of “religion and conscience” and their practice will not be hindered, “provided it does not interfere with public orders and morals” (“Constitution of the Esthonian Republic” 1920). Under the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, Articles 12, 40, and 124 grant religious freedom, equality, and prohibit religious discrimination. “Constitution of the Esthonian Republic” 1920. Estonian Republic https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/521052015001/consolide
Freedom of the Press	History	Paragraph 13 of Estonia’s 1920 Constitution first outlined protections on press freedom: “In Estonia there is freedom for the expression of personal ideas in words, print, letters, pictures, and sculpture. This freedom can be restricted only in the defense of the State and morals” (Wikisource, “Constitution of the Esthonian Republic ( 1920) ”). Today, Article 45 of Estonia’s 1992 Constitution protects press freedom: “Everyone has the right to freely disseminate ideas, opinions, beliefs and other information by word, print, picture or other means” (Constitute Project, “Estonia's Constitution of 1992 with Amendments through 2015” ).
Privacy Rights	History	The 1920 constitution of Estonia protected personal privacy in Paragraph 8. Paragraph 10 protected the homestead and Paragraph 14 protected communications (Wikisource, “Constitution of the Esthonian Republic ( 1920) ”). Today, privacy rights are guaranteed in Section 26 (Riigi Teataja, “The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia”). https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/521052015001/consolide https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Constitution_of_the_Esthonian_Republic_( 1920)
Voting Rights and Suffrage	History	Chapter III, The People, Article 56 allows for the supreme power of state to be exercised by the people through citizens with the right to vote. Article 57 grants the right to vote to those of the age of 18 (Constitute Project, “Estonia's Constitution of 1992 with Amendments through 2015” ).