Grappling with the Legacy of Soviet Rule: Citizenship and Human Rights in the Baltic States

JOANNE SKOLNICK

ABSTRACT

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the newly independent Baltic states have struggled to deal with the legacy of Soviet rule. Major demographic changes during the period of annexation have resulted in ethnic tension between the titular nationalities in Latvia and Estonia and their large Russian-speaking minorities. Attempts by the Baltic governments to reassert their sovereignty have come into conflict with the rights of former Soviet citizens who have been resident in their territory for many years. Recently passed citizenship laws in Latvia and Estonia prevent automatic naturalization of most of the Russian-speaking population, which entered these countries under Russification policies. The Russian Federation has strongly criticized these laws and accused the Baltic states of human rights violations. The author examines the relevant legislation in light of state practice and international human rights obligations. The author concludes that Latvia and Estonia have fulfilled their obligations under international instruments, but that their unique circumstances point to a lacuna in international law. For many reasons, they are wise to take a more inclusive approach to citizenship than international law may require.

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Citation: (1996) 54(2) U.T. Fac. L. Rev. 387.
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