Estonia: Information on ethnic Russians in Estonia
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 July 1992 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | EST11144 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Estonia: Information on ethnic Russians in Estonia, 1 July 1992, EST11144, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acf680.html [accessed 23 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Some information related to ethnic Russians in Estonia is available in the REFINFO database and in the Response to Information Request EST10994 of 8 June 1992 currently available to you. In addition, please find attached an article from The Washington Times which provides information on the fears and difficulties faced by Russians in Estonia, and a critical response to the editor about the article from a member of the Congress of Estonia.
A research associate of Helsinki Watch was not aware of any specific human rights violations against the Russian ethnic minority in Estonia (15 July 1992). There is concern that as a result of Estonian nationality legislation, ethnic Russians will not be able to vote in the upcoming national elections, nor receive Estonian passports (Ibid.). A correspondent of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty also noted that ethnic Russians have been deprived of the right to vote (15 July 1992).
According to Soviet Press Digest, "Article 56 of the recently published amended draft Constitution denied non-citizens the right to form political organizations, engage in business and receive information..." (25 June 1992). Please see the attached article for further details.
There is no information currently available to the IRBDC on whether a permanent resident of Estonia can leave and re-enter on the passport of the state of which he/she is a national. However, it may be of interest to note that according to a BBC report of 11 July 1992, "Russian soldiers on leave will not be able to return to Estonia without a visa." Another report indicates that a full visa regime will be established from 1 July 1992 and that all residents of other states except Latvia and Lithuania will be required to have a visa (BBC Summary 24 June 1992).
Estonian Radio reported in February 1992 that temporary visit permits were issued to "all citizens of the former USSR who are not registered...and who do not have a residence permit, a work permit...or any other document which proves their right to be in the Republic of Estonia" (BBC Summary 19 Feb. 1992). A subsequent report states that police would begin identification checks in Tallinn and that illegal immigrants would be given warnings suggesting they leave Estonia (BBC Summary 20 Mar. 1992). However, the report also notes that, "for the time being no sanctions can be applied for want of corresponding legislation" (Ibid.).
Information specific to whether ethnic Russians who are permanent residents of Estonia lose their residence rights if abroad for six months without authorization is not currently available to the IRBDC. Information specific to non-refoulement of asylum-seekers in Estonia and the status of stateless persons is also currently unavailable to the IRBDC.
References
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 11 July 1992. "Russian Servicemen Need Visas to Re-enter Estonia." (NEXIS)
_____. 24 June 1992. "Visas Needed for Travel to Estonia From 1st July." (NEXIS)
_____. 20 March 1992. "Police To Start Checks for Illegal Immigrants in Tallinn." (NEXIS)
_____. 19 February 1992. "All Former Citizens Expected to Carry Papers Proving Their Right of Residence." (NEXIS)
Correspondent of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 15 July 1992. Telephone Interview.
Research Associate with Helsinki Watch, New York. 15 July 1992. Telephone Interview.
Soviet Press Digest [Moscow]. 25 June 1992. "Citizens and Non-Citizens. One Person in Three in Estonia is 'Undesirable'." (NEXIS)
Attachments
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 11 July 1992. "Russian Servicemen Need Visas to Re-enter Estonia." (NEXIS)
_____. 24 June 1992. "Visas Needed for Travel to Estonia From 1st July." (NEXIS)
_____. 20 March 1992. "Police To Start Checks for Illegal Immigrants in Tallinn." (NEXIS)
_____. 19 February 1992. "All Former Citizens Expected to Carry Papers Proving Their Right of Residence." (NEXIS)
Soviet Press Digest [Moscow]. 25 June 1992. "Citizens and Non-Citizens. One Person in Three in Estonia is 'Undesirable'." (NEXIS)
The Washington Times. 11 June 1992. "Your Sympathies are Completely with the Russians." (NEXIS)
_____. 1 June 1992. "Russians Fell Alone in Estonia; Ethnic Minority Fearful of Future." (NEXIS)
