Agenda Profile: Signe Riisalo
Draft law (583 SE) for the second reading on accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and approval of amendment to Article 20(1) of the Convention.
2025-04-23
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Political Position
The political stance is strongly supportive of acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This position is directed towards adherence to international human rights conventions, underscoring Estonia’s historical commitment to these conventions since the restoration of independence in 1991. In formulating this position, emphasis is placed on political and legal continuity.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise in international human rights law and knowledge of UN conventions (including CEDAW), highlighting similar protocols concerning the rights of children and persons with disabilities. Detailed statistical data is presented regarding the number of gender-related complaints filed in Estonia (to the Commissioner and the Labour Dispute Committee) between 2021 and 2023. Furthermore, the speaker is proficient in presenting the legislative procedure and committee work.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style of address is formal, procedural, and informative, which is typical for a committee rapporteur. Logical appeals and a fact-based approach are utilized, referencing specific dates, data, and explanations provided by the ministries. The tone is neutral and responsive; while answering questions, the speaker emphasizes that they do not possess information concerning topics that were not debated within the committee.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The individual's work pattern is linked to legislative work, especially as a representative of the Social Affairs Committee, where they participated in the preparation of the second reading on April 14 and presented a report to the plenary session on April 23. The speaker recently assumed the role of the representative of the steering committee.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
No direct confrontation or criticism is expressed. The speaker deals neutrally with the questions raised by the committee members, which concerned the lack of conventions regarding the discrimination of men and the efforts of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications in standing up for the rights of all people.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and collegial; it is emphasized that all procedural decisions within the Social Committee (appointing a representative, placing the draft legislation on the agenda, proposing the final vote) were adopted by consensus. The speaker is prepared to discuss proposals from committee members regarding the inclusion of future topics on the agenda.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is placed on national legislation and international obligations (UN conventions) concerning the opportunity to file complaints after all Estonian court instances have been exhausted. There is no focus on specific local or regional issues within Estonia.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
5 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social issue is the elimination of discrimination against women and the establishment of the right to file international complaints. Also addressed are statistics regarding gender-related complaints, which cover family responsibilities, pregnancy, childbirth, parenthood, and gender-based and sexual harassment.
5 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative priority is the successful completion of the second reading of the draft law (583 SE) concerning accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The speaker's role, as a representative of the lead committee, is to support the procedure and present the consensus achieved within the committee. The objective is to grant the target group the right to submit international complaints.
5 Speeches Analyzed