Ombudsman sent the letter to European institutions about enforcement of human rights in Latvia

Today Ombudsman of the Republic of Latvia sent the letter about enforcement of human rights in Latvia to European institutions (European Council, European Parliament and European Commission).

Latvia, as well as the other Member States of the European Union, has undertaken international obligations not only in the sphere of economics and finance, but also in protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. As a Member State of the European Union and the Council of Europe, Latvia has not only ratified a number of international treaties on human rights, but also accepted an obligation to ensure that the standards laid out in those instruments are implemented in practice. The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, European Social Charter, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and more than 50 other international documents create an obligation for Latvia to take concrete actions in order to guarantee the implementation of human rights standards.

Unfortunately, thus far the government of Latvia has directed its activities at the fulfilment of only one of its priorities – the targets of economic growth, failing to take into consideration the public opinion, the social reality in the state and the opinion of international organizations.

Please find attached the letter to European institutions as well as its annex.