Statement by Prime Minister Jüri Ratas after the parliament voted on the statement about the UN Global Compact for Migration

Statement by Prime Minister Jüri Ratas:

“The Republic of Estonia has always valued international cooperation and finding common solutions for global issues. A definite guarantee for our freedom and independence is belonging to global organisations and cooperating with countries who share similar values. This gives the centennial Estonia a stronger voice in the world. We have also followed the same principles in discussing the migration compact.

The UN Global Compact for Migration is a non-legally binding document. This statement is clearly expressed in clause 7 of the migration pact and complies with the conclusion of the Estonian Chancellor of Justice. The document also unequivocally supports every nation’s own sovereign right to establish their migration policy. We will continue to make independent decisions on whether to allow migrants in our country, who and how many people are allowed to enter, and how we protect our borders.

The UN Global Compact for Migration fights against illegal migration and supports sending back people who have entered a country illegally. The Compact stresses the importance of an efficient border guard in ensuring security. It helps to improve international cooperation on migration. The Compact also puts a lot of focus on fighting against human trafficking and smuggling and protecting first and foremost the rights of women and children. The Compact will also help to protect the rights of Estonian people abroad. With this agreement, we are expressing our preparedness to find solutions along with other nations of the world.

The UN is founded on cooperation and solutions, not problems and obligations. The Compact will not put any much-feared obligations on neither us nor any of the more than 180 countries who are planning to approve the compact.

Thorough discussions on the migration pact revealed that the government lacks consensus on this subject. For that reason 39 members of the parliament, who, in accordance with the constitution, have a right to decide on important national issues as representatives of the people, initiated a statement. I have worked in the parliament for quite a while and I have always stressed the parliament’s importance and right of making decisions in my years as prime minister. Jüri Raidla, one of the most recognised legal practitioners in Estonia and the Chairman of the expert committee that drafted the current Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, has emphasised that Estonia is a parliamentary country and discussing issues in the parliament is not a crisis but a triumph of parliamentarism. I recognise all political parties and members of the parliament who formed an opinion and stood by it.

Extensive discussions are necessary and positive. Discussions must be based on facts, mutual respect, and honesty towards the Estonian people. Unfortunately, the current issue has been subject to a lot of influencing through fear, lies, and spreading of false information. The time before elections is not a justification for sending out deceptive messages, causing confusion, and dismantling the course of our long-time foreign policy. Even the most controversial subject does not justify violence against a fellow human being.

Estonians have always expressed their views and positions in a peaceful manner. We did it in the days of the Singing Revolution, standing hand-in-hand in the Baltic Way, and regaining the independence of our country. We did it on 15 May 1990 when we hindered and dismantled the attack of the Intermovement against the building of the parliament, and we take pride in that accomplishment even now. Today’s demonstration in front of the parliament, unfortunately, turned violent. This is unacceptable. Our honourable centennial Estonia must be led by debate, wits, and hearts, not fists and feet.

I have repeatedly promised that our standpoint on supporting the UN Global Compact for Migration will depend on the statement of the parliament today. I respect and recognise the parliament’s decision to support the UN Global Compact for Migration.”