Structure

Fulfilling resolutions of the Conference of representatives of organizations and groups of national minorities of Estonia as of May 30th, 2007, the Initiative Group declares Creation of the House of Representatives of the National Minorities of Estonia.

The House of Representatives of National Minorities of Estonia (in abbreviated form - the House of Representatives) is an independent, autonomic, non-commercial representative body of national minorities of Estonia.

Principles of Activity, Purposes and Tasks

The House of Representatives is a legal entity authorized to represent national minorities at various levels of power, conclude agreements, purchase and dispose of property.

The purpose of the House of Representatives is protection of the rights of national minorities of Estonia and their representation in all structures of state, municipal and judicial power of the republic as well as in various public organizations.

The House of Representatives promotes establishment of dialogue, mutual understanding and tolerance between various nationalities living in Estonia, achievement of democracy and stability in the society.

The most important task of the House is consideration of crucial issues of regulation of international relations in Estonia including those in the realm of ideology, policy, law, economy, culture, education, morality, history and social life as a whole and making proposals aimed at decision of these issues.

To reach that goal, the House of Representatives shall:

• Discuss statutory acts which either expressly or by implication affect the interests of national minorities of Estonia and regulate interethnic relations in the society and the state, make for their improvement in terms of international law and protection of interests of national minorities;

• Initiate a movement aimed at ratification by Rijgikogu of the most important international documents guaranteeing rights of man and national minorities;

• Elaborate specific proposals for improvement of international relations in Estonia, offer practical ways and methods of reducing statelessness;

• Promote carrying out of a balanced reform in the sphere of education with account of the interests of minority, studying native languages and getting closer to cultural values, both national and worldwide;

• Support activities of national and cultural societies and educational institutions therewith;

• Make decisions aimed at protection of rights of the representatives of national minorities becoming subjected to threats, discrimination or violence due to their ethnic, religious, racial or language identity;

• Establish contacts with various international non-commercial and non-governmental unions, organizations and associations, conclude cooperation agreements with them;

• Freely circulate information on their activity, including that by way of publishing;

• Organize sociological and other scientific researches, carry out conferences, seminars, use other forms of studying and cross-lighting the issues of interethnic relations in the society;

• Counteract xenophobia, racism, intolerance, aspire to establish piece and mutual understanding between various ethnic groups;

• Carry out other activities within the law of Estonia, international and European legal standards.

Board of the House of Representatives of National Minorities of Estonia

Kaera 21a, 10318 Tallinn

13.06.2007