Estonia, Forum, Legislation, Society

Topics of fundamental rights and fundamental freedoms can be discussed in the Pohiseadus 100 (Constitution 100) area of the festival, spokespeople for the Ministry of Justice said on Wednesday.

Kaspar Tammist, initiator of the Opinion Festival, said that while the discussion program of this year's festival focuses on the topic of fundamental rights and freedoms, there's no need to fear that only legalese will be spoken. 

"The Constitution is an inseparable part of our day-to-day lives and definitely each visitor will  find discussions in the program to listen to on-site or via streaming," Tammist said.

In the Pohiseadus 100 area it will be possible to follow seven discussions, each of which will examine the importance of the Constitution as the fundamental document bringing together society's main values and its impact on our day-to-day lives.  

For instance, a discussion on Friday hosted by Estonian courts will examine how the decisions of judges are born and what dilemmas judges have to face in their work. The Ministry of the Interior will host a discussion on the role of employers in the adaptation process of foreign workers, while a school class hosted by the Finnish Institute will explore the topic of human rights and equality.  The European Commission Representation in Estonia meanwhile will bring up the topic of climate, focusing on the environmental impact of textile waste and ways to facilitate recycling and act in a climate-friendly manner.  

On Saturday, the topic of freedom of religion and freedom of belief will be explored during a  discussion hosted by the Estonian Council of Churches. The gender equality and equal treatment commissioner is inviting people attending the festival to a discussion on the role of businesses in the gender pay gap and how to reduce it. 

The final discussion of the Pohiseadus 100 area will focus on how to ensure a just transition strategy for East-Viru County which takes everyone into account and how co-creation can contribute to it. That discussion will be hosted by the Estonian Fund for Nature. 

The Ministry of Justice invites everyone to take part in the discussions of the Opinion Festival and join in thinking about the meaning of the Constitution and the balance between fundamental rights and freedoms.