What is the Ombudsman?
The Ombudsman of the Republic of Latvia is elected by the Parliament. The Ombudsman is the official in charge of protection of the rights of each and every inhabitant of Latvia. The Ombudsman is only subordinate to the law. No one may intervene in the actions of the Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman fosters legitimate actions on part of the State. It means he/she keeps trace of compliance with the law by Governmental and municipal institutions. Governmental and municipal institutions include, for example, ministries, state agencies, and foundations.
The Ombudsman Law entered into force on 1 January 2007, establishing the Ombudsman's Office. On 1 March 2007, the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia elected Romāns Apsītis as the first Ombudsman.
The second Ombudsman, Juris Jansons, held office from 3 March 2011 to 19 June 2025 (the Saeima re-elected Juris Jansons to the position of Ombudsman in 2016 and 2021). Since 19 June 2025, the duties, functions and tasks of the Ombudsman, in accordance with Section 16 Part 3 of the Ombudsman Law are being performed by the Deputy Ombudsman Ms Ineta Piļāne.
Areas of practice
Business and Human Rights
Business must respect all human rights
Business and Human Rights#business #BHR
Children’s Rights
The rights of every child, regardless of language, nationality, socioeconomic status or other circumstances
Children’s Rights#education #family life #violence #protection
Discrimination
Unequal treatment of a person without an objective reason
Discrimination#equality #gender #disability #nationality #age #sexual orientation
Civil and Political Rights
The rights and freedoms of a person as an individual and as a member of society in a democratic state
Civil and Political Rights#freedom #security #justice #elections #foreigners
Basic Human Rights
Rights and privileges afforded to individuals and society that are necessary to live in dignity
Basic Human Rights#home #aid #work #health #environment
Rights of People with Disabilities
Rights and mechanisms to protect people with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments
Rights of People with Disabilities#accessibility #assistant #benefits #independence
Data Protection
Personal data may be collected, stored and used only within the scope of the law, ensuring the right to privacy
Data Protection#privacy #dignity #photo #video #surveillance
Monitoring of Compliance with Rights
Mechanisms used and actions carried out to monitor compliance with rights
Monitoring of Compliance with Rights#prevention #inspection #good governance #recovery of assets
Inhuman Treatment
The law prohibits cruel treatment, torture and inhuman treatment anywhere, including in "closed institutions"
Inhuman Treatment#violence #prostitution #forced labour #torture #humiliation
Rights of Prisoners
Fundamental rights to be guaranteed in places of detention
Rights of Prisoners#rights #communication #security #privacy #prison