Latvia: Civil society faces both progress and challenges

Introduction

Respect for civic space in Latvia remains at a high level and fundamental freedoms are generally respected. Recent developments show both progress and challenges for civil society organisations (CSOs). After the unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Latvian civil society has shown resilience and responded to the challenges, especially as institutions initially struggled to work effectively with civil society organisations. According to Inese Vaivare, Director of the Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS), members of the government now recognise the crucial role of civil society organisations and work with them beyond the usual partnerships. However, Vaivare pointed out that challenges remain, as tensions between political parties in the Latvian multi-party system persist in relation to the civil society space.

Advancing gender equality & LGBTQI+ rights

On 30th November 2023, Latvia's Parliament ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), an important international agreement on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. By adopting this convention, Latvia has committed itself to complying with European standards and ensuring that victims of such violence have access to the necessary legal protection and support services. The Convention will enter into force on 1st May 2024.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. There is currently a push to review the legal framework on sexual harassment following reports from LTV about incidents in Latvian music schools. Disturbing accounts of inappropriate behaviour by teachers have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students. The Rector of the Academy, Guntars Prānis, elaborated: “We have now suspended two lecturers on the basis of the evidence that we have to clarify further. If there is a conviction to the end that all this corresponds to the facts, then, of course, the employment relationship will be terminated.” In response, the Ministry of Justice is actively working to develop regulations to criminalise sexual harassment. Minister Inese Lībiņa-Egnere is leading efforts to create these regulations, stressing the seriousness of such offences and the importance of supporting and protecting victims.

The proposed legal changes seek to ensure that individuals, especially in environments like schools and universities, are safeguarded from any form of harassment or abuse.

Furthermore, Latvia's parliament adopted amendments to eight laws introducing a new partnership institution, which allows for same-sex civil unions. While these unions do not confer all the privileges of traditional marriage, they grant important benefits to same-sex couples, including hospital visitation rights and tax advantages. These amendments, set to come into force on 1st July 2024, reflects Latvia's evolving societal attitudes towards diversity and inclusivity.

Calls to resume funding to UNRWA amid Israel-Palestine conflict

In January 2024, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would suspend its payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) pending an investigation into allegations that several of its employees were involved in the 7th October terrorist attack in Israel. Latvia was one of a number of UN member states, including the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland, to suspend its contributions following the Israeli allegations about the agency.

In February, EU High Representative Josep Borrell warned against defunding UNRWA, and emphasised its crucial role in providing essential support to the Palestinian people, highlighting the humanitarian imperative of maintaining funding for the agency. Borrell's remarks underscored the importance of refraining from actions that could amount to collective punishment against the Palestinian people.

UNRWA was founded in 1949, after the war surrounding the establishment of Israel that displaced 700,000 Palestinians. The agency employs 30,000 Palestinians and cares for 5.9 million descendants of refugees in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and neighbouring Arab countries. It runs schools, clinics and humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, which has played a crucial role since 2005, when Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on the Strip.

Sports ban on Russian and Belarusian teams

In February 2024, the Latvian Parliament, Saeima, voted to prohibit Latvian sports teams from competing against Russian or Belarusian squads, regardless of neutral status. This move is aimed at expressing solidarity with Ukraine and emphasising Latvia's commitment to opposing Russian aggression and Belarus’ alignment with Russia. The decision aligns with a broader international trend of employing sports diplomacy to convey political messages.

Freedom of association

In 2023, Latvia witnessed a notable increase in the establishment of new CSOs, the first such rise in seven years. However, despite this growth, the financial activity of CSOs has been declining in the previous period, as highlighted by Kristine Zonberga from Civic Alliance-Latvia (CAL) in her contribution to the European Civic Forum’s (ECF) Civic Space Report for 2024.

Amendments to core civil society law to facilitate data gathering

In March 2024, amendments to the law governing associations and foundations drafted by the Ministry of Justice came into force. Zonberga notes that these amendments aim to create a more structured and transparent environment for civil society by introducing, for the first time, a classification system for different types of activities of civil society organisations, which should simplify the analysis of the sector, monitoring efforts and the implementation of data-driven measures to promote the development of civil society.

Still no specific institution responsible for civil society development

At the same time, discussions continued about the lack of a specific institution explicitly responsible for civil society matters. Various proposals have been made, including the appointment of a civil society advisor in key government departments or the appointment of a ministry member responsible for civil society development. Encouragingly, on 16th October 2023, the Ministry of Culture appointed the parliamentary secretary as responsible for civil society affairs and the promotion of dialogue with civil society within the ministry. In this context, Vaivare emphasised that the Minister of Culture, Agnese Logina, herself comes from the NGO sector and therefore has an understanding of the issues at stake.

Parliament opens doors to CSOs on World NGO Day

On 27th February 2024, recognised as World NGO Day, Latvia's parliament took a significant step in its approach towards NGOs. In a landmark move, the parliament opened its doors to NGOs, allowing them to participate in open committee meetings. NGOs were invited to apply to attend the committees of their choice, fostering direct engagement with parliamentary proceedings. The Latvian Platform for Development Cooperation (LAPAS) actively participated in three committees, as confirmed by its director. LAPAS also noted that, initially, some members of parliament were sceptical about involving NGOs. However, the positive impact of their participation soon became evident, as it was seen as adding value to parliamentary work, resulting in a notable shift in relations between parliament and civil society.

Developments related to public participation: Some steps forward, some delays

At the local level, the implementation of the Local Government Referendum Law was postponed from January 2024 to September 2024, due to delays in funding and the development of the necessary technical solutions. Vaivare described the law as highly progressive, introducing not only referendums but also citizen councils and participatory budgeting. However, she emphasised that no visible steps had been taken in the implementation phase. Amendments were adopted in December 2023 to provide an alternative means of voting in local referendums before the new online electoral register, the introduction of which has been postponed until August 2025, goes live.

On 19th December 2023 a strategic partnership memorandum was signed between the Latvian parliament (Saeima), the European Commission, and the European Parliament Liaison Office. This reflects efforts to promote transparency and accountability in government processes and participation in EU-related discussions. In addition, the State Chancellery introduced a draft law aiming to improve public participation and strengthen transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. An important aspect of the proposed legislation is the opportunity for citizens to initiate their own participation processes on issues, with institutions obliged to consider and respond to these requests if no opportunities for public participation are proactively provided.

Civil society funding in Latvia: some gaps remain

The adoption of the national budget on 9th December 2023 showed that the Latvian government has partly recognised the importance of civil dialogue and cooperation with CSOs, though some funding gaps remain. Advocacy efforts continue to push for increased funding to address urgent social and environmental issues, highlighting the ongoing need for sustained support for civil society initiatives. On the international front, Latvia's participation in EU frameworks has facilitated financing for NGOs, although the conclusion of certain projects could lead to potential funding gaps.

Financial milestones have been set to advance civil dialogue, including funding programs under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the Memorandum Council as the central civic platform, fostering collaboration between government institutions and civil society actors on social and economic issues.

Throughout 2023, against the backdrop of these developments, LAPAS and CAL actively conducted workshops and training activities to improve crisis management skills and increase the resilience of civil society organisations, thus contributing to the overall goal of promoting civil society in Latvia. Both organisations stated that these activities have strengthened civil society organisations and equipped them with the necessary skills to respond to crises. Vaivare noted that the workshops were successful, as the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs approached them more often afterwards, strengthening relations between them and expressing interest in organising joint activities in the near future.

The European Commission's Recovery and Resilience Plan for Latvia, developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and energy market disruptions, also directed funds to measures aimed at reducing inequalities, eliminating regional disparities and strengthening the rule of law. Approximately 34% of the funds were allocated to these endeavours. To that end, the project also provided funding for NGOs. One implemented project aimed to give a voice to marginalised social groups, while another ongoing project aims to increase the participation of civil society organisations in advocacy. This second project is scheduled to run until 2026. However, with regard to the funding of civil society organisations, Vaivare emphasised that the Active Citizens Fund is currently concluding, marking the completion of the project. Consequently, there may emerge a gap in the funding landscape for Latvian CSOs.

At the grassroots level, various opportunities exist for CSOs to engage in development cooperation and global citizenship education. Civil society projects are increasingly prioritised, with a goal to involve them in 80% of bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) by 2027. The MFA engages with LAPAS in decision-making processes and project evaluations. Despite an increase in ODA, direct support for LAPAS remains relatively low compared to other Baltic countries (for more information, see the LAPAS Report 2023 on Latvia’s Development Cooperation Policy).

Human rights challenges on the Latvia-Belarus border: First criminal case against refugee aid workers

In recent legal developments, Latvia has faced significant human rights challenges, particularly regarding the legalisation of pushbacks and the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders.

In June 2023, Saeima passed controversial amendments to the State Border Law and the Border Guard Law, effectively legalising pushbacks of migrants and refugees. This decision has been criticised by international human rights organisations, who argue that it contravenes international law and endangers the lives of vulnerable individuals seeking asylum. While the amendments are framed as a response to migration pressures, the legalisation of pushbacks raises serious ethical and legal concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers. Pushbacks along the Latvian-Belarusian border have reportedly led to injuries and even loss of life, as highlighted in Zonberga’s contribution to the European Civic Forum report.

Additionally, criminal proceedings have been initiated against Ieva Raubiško and Egils Grasmanis, members of a refugee and migrants' rights organisation, for their advocacy and assistance to migrants. These charges have sparked concerns about the criminalisation of solidarity. Edgars Oļševskis, a lawyer with the Latvian Centre for Human Rights, commented, “The direction towards persecution of human rights activists cannot end well. This is not typical of legal, but of totalitarian and authoritarian states. That is why we highlight each such case. Here, it may also be necessary to ask for the intervention of the Court of Justice of the European Union.”

The first hearing took place on 28th February 2024 at the Latgale District Court in Rezekne. Following the preliminary investigation, charges of organising intentional illegal crossing of the borders were only filed against Raubiško, who denied guilt. About 10 representatives from various human rights defenders' organisations, including from Lithuania and Poland, attended the hearing to support her. Raubiško’s organisation, “I want to help refugees,” has claimed that this is the first case in Latvia's history in which criminal proceedings have been initiated against representatives of a non-governmental organisation for carrying out a humanitarian and human rights mission.

Freedom of peaceful assembly

Pro-Palestinian protest banned

In February 2024, a planned solidarity protest in Riga, Latvia, in support of Palestine was abruptly banned due to "security concerns," sparking outrage and raising questions about democratic principles. This decision, in contrast to peaceful protests allowed in neighbouring Lithuania, alarmed many over potential violations of the right to protest in Latvia and highlighted broader concerns about shrinking civic space.

Law passed banning post-Soviet Victory Day celebrations

In April 2023, Saeima passed a law banning all public festivities on 9th May. The only exception to this ban is for celebrations of Europe Day, an EU public holiday that celebrates “peace and unity in Europe” and marks the origins of the European Union.

The 9th of May is celebrated in Russia and many countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Balkans as Victory Day, marking the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. In contrast, other European countries, including Latvia, commemorate the event on 8th May, while 9th May is informally observed by the Russian community in the country.

Initially, Latvian authorities had planned to declare 9th May 2023 a day of mourning for the victims of Russia's war in Ukraine, as had been done in 2022. However, the draft law was amended to impose a total ban on fireworks, processions, and other public festivities on that date.

Lawmakers stated that the new law aims to protect state and public security, prevent disorder, safeguard public health and morals, and avoid the glorification of warfare, military aggression, totalitarianism, and violence, as well as the distortion of historical events. It also serves to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine.

According to Lithuanian media, on 9th May 2023, police arrested 26 individuals in connection to banned Victory Day celebrations, primarily for placing flowers at the sites of removed Soviet memorials. Other reasons for arrest included displaying prohibited symbols, violating fireworks regulations, and public intoxication. In total, 38 administrative violation proceedings and four criminal proceedings have been initiated.

Rally in support of Ukraine

On 24th February 2024, marking two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, an event titled "Together Until Victory!" took place in Riga to express continued solidarity with Ukraine. The rally was organised by CSOs Civic Alliance of Latvia, the association “I want to help refugees,” the European Movement in Latvia and “Tavi draugi” (Your Friends). The authorities and civil society in Latvia have actively supported Ukraine in various ways, including through financial aid and donations in kind, and thousands have taken part in rallies in support of the Ukrainian people. The event received great support, with high-ranking officials attending and giving speeches. The Latvian public broadcaster, LSM, in co-operation with Ziedot.lv, called for donations for the people affected by the war. By 24th February at 12:00 noon, a total of EUR 165,269 had been donated.

Freedom of expression

Ombudsman intervenes to stop sexual education programme

In February 2024, the organisation “Papardes zieds” announced they were suspending the use of the international “Flag System” teaching methodology in specialist training in Latvia. This decision followed an opinion by the country’s Ombudsman, which deemed the system inconsistent with Latvian regulations, claiming it encourages harmful behaviour in children.

The methodology developed in Belgium and implemented by the civil society organisation “Papardes zieds”, which has been running voluntary sex education programmes in Latvia for 30 years, is designed to help professionals identify and address inappropriate sexual behaviour in young people. The organisation announced they did not agree with the Ombudsman’s opinion, but that they would nevertheless halt the programme.

At the press conference where this announcement was made, psychologist Krista Skara highlighted the lack of basic knowledge among children, particularly those with developmental disorders, about hygiene and sexual topics, stressing the importance of adults providing comprehensive sexual education. In his commentary on the issue, lawyer Rolands Bortaščenoks argued that the ombudsman’s stance limits professionals’ ability to handle sensitive issues and reflects an alarming trend of state interference.

Latvian Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2026

Latvia's Cybersecurity Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Defence, outlines key actions to bolster the nation's cyber defences, enhance resilience against cyber threats, and raise public awareness. This strategy aligns with EU legislation and national digital policy objectives and emphasises the importance of international cooperation in addressing cybersecurity challenges.

However, as Latvia strengthens its cybersecurity measures, it must ensure that these efforts do not unintentionally restrict freedom of expression online. Civil society organisations play a critical role in defending digital rights and monitoring potential censorship or surveillance abuses to ensure that the voice of citizens is not restricted and that the measures implemented do not disproportionately affect certain groups or undermine democratic principles.

National security measures threaten public media in Russian

The “National Security Concept,” a policy document outlining Latvia’s key priorities for addressing national security threats, was adopted by the Saeima on 28th September 2023. This document mandates that from 1st January 2026, all content produced by public media must be in Latvian or in languages from the “European cultural sphere,” which includes those of EU, candidate countries, and the European Economic Area (EEA). As a result, Latvia’s public broadcasters Latvian TV and Latvia Radio, who currently provide content in multiple minority languages, would essentially be prohibited from broadcasting programmes in Russian after 2025.

On 6 October 2023, the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Safety of Journalists issued an alert about these developments. Media freedom and journalists’ organisations raised concerns that this policy could limit Russian speakers in Latvia from accessing reliable, fact-checked information, potentially exposing them to misinformation and manipulation. Russian is spoken by over a third of Latvia’s population, including ethnic Russians, other minorities, and some Ukrainian refugees. As noted in the alert, given Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, public service media’s role in delivering vital information and connecting with all parts of society is crucial. Furthermore, they maintain that the policy would infringe on people's basic human rights to access media and communicate in their native language.

Law introduced permitting firing civil servants who aren’t “loyal” to the state

In December 2023, the Saeima amended the Law on State Administration, requiring all civil service workers to demonstrate loyalty to the Republic of Latvia and its Constitution under threat of termination. This revision followed a petition signed by 13,165 people, titled “On prohibiting pro-Kremlin leaning individuals from taking posts in state and municipal institutions.”

The law aims to prevent employees in the public sector from speaking out or acting in ways that “clearly show that he is not loyal to Latvia and its Constitution” and that “his further employment [...] may significantly threaten the operation of this institution or the interests of the state.” In May 2023, when the law was first proposed, the Saeima press service emphasised that the amendments are not intended to apply to situations where individuals express sarcastic, ironic, or critical opinions about state leaders or institutions.

Media regulator blocks access to “Russian Google” and affiliated websites

In December 2023, Latvia's electronic media regulator (NEPLP) announced the blocking of all websites associated with the Russian tech company Yandex, except for the Yandex.Music streaming service. Often dubbed the “Russian Google,” Yandex is best known for its search engine but also offers a variety of services, including email, cloud storage, streaming, navigation and ride-hailing.

The NEPLP had already blocked Yandex's homepage in April 2022, stating that yandex.ru spread distorted and false information about global events, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Council noted that such content could negatively impact the coexistence of different societal groups and pose a threat to Latvia’s national security.

According to Meduza, the NEPLP has also decided to block Yandex Music in the near future, because it contains podcasts and other “created by sanctioned individuals in Russia,” as confirmed by the chairman of the NEPLP, Ivars Āboliņš, on social media.

Grenade attack on BBC Russian journalists

On 23rd December 2023, an unknown assailant attacked a group of BBC Russia journalists at a bar in Riga using a grenade. According to Meduza, a witness told Novaya Gazeta that the attacker opened the bar's front door, noticed that it was nearly empty except for the journalists, and threw a training RGD-5 anti-personnel fragmentation grenade, which stunned several people. The assailant then fled in a black BMW. The BBC journalists managed to capture the car’s licence plate number and provided it to local police.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom “unequivocally condemned” the attack, expressing concern that it occurred in Riga, a city considered a sanctuary for exiled journalists. Latvian police quickly detained two suspects in the city and stated that the motive was a “personal” dispute with the bar's owners. However, there has been widespread speculation that the attack was an intimidation attempt aimed at the journalists. BBC Russian journalist Olesya Gerasimenko voiced her doubts about the police's explanation on social media, suggesting the attack appeared to be a deliberate threat to their lives, underscoring the vulnerable position of independent journalists in exile.