The UN has weighed in on Estonia’s decision to ban Russians with Schengen visas issued in the Baltic country, with the spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres telling journalists on Thursday that the organization is against discrimination.
“Countries have a right to implement their own visa policies,” Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for Guterres, told journalists at a news briefing when asked to comment on Tallinn’s recent move. He added, however, that the organization was against discrimination.
“We stand against discrimination but I am not going to start commenting on every quip,” he said, refusing to elaborate further or confirm whether the UN considers Estonia’s statements or policies discriminatory.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas had previously said that visiting Europe was “a privilege, not a human right” for tourists, as she urged the EU to bar Russians from getting Schengen visas. On Thursday, Tallinn confirmed it would close its borders to Russian nationals with Schengen visas issued by the Baltic nation at the start of next week.
The only exceptions would be made for those working at diplomatic missions and their family members, as well as those engaged in international cargo and passenger transportation. Relatives of Estonian citizens, permanent residents, and those entering for humanitarian reasons are to be exempted as well.