News from the Ombudsman’s Office: November 2025
News and events of the Ombudsman’s Office in November 2025 (information in links mostly available in Latvian).
Ombudsman’s Office receives the highest international evaluation
In November, the Ombudsman’s Office repeatedly received international evaluation and was re-accredited with the highest “A” status in the United Nations (UN) Subcommittee on Accreditation, confirming the compliance of the Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Latvia with the Paris Principles, the functioning of the institution and the related national regulation.
Ombudsperson Karina Palkova receives a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Health
The Ombudsperson Ms Karina Palkova received a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministry of Health for her work prior to taking up her position as Ombudsperson, working as a freelance adviser to the Minister of Health on issues related to doctors’ and patients’ rights.
Can visitors film and photograph officials and make the material available to the public on the internet?
Visitors may film and photograph officials for their own personal use, while courtesy requires prior notification of such intention. Such material may not be made available to the public on the Internet. This is punishable by an administrative penalty or may even lead to criminal liability. Exception: if official’s misconduct has been recorded and the public should know about it.
Participants of the regional seminar in Valmiera discuss protection from violence
The Ombudsman’s Office organised the third regional workshop for law enforcement professionals on how to improve inter-institutional cooperation to better protect people against domestic violence. This time the seminar was held in Valmiera, in the Vidzeme region.
Ombudsperson’s opinion: Serious and persistent violations of children’s rights have been identified in the activities of the Family Support Centre ‘Lejasstrazdi’
The Ombudsman Karina Palkova pointed to serious and systematic violations of children’s rights after visit to the family support centre ‘Lejasstrazdi’. Despite repeated recommendations, the responsible officials of Dobele municipality have not ensured the operation of the institution in accordance with the laws and regulations.
Ombudsperson calls on victims of violence to exercise their right to protection
Domestic violence is unacceptable. To support people facing it, the Ombudsman’s Office runs a campaign ‘Violence is not a family!’. Its aim is to provide practical advice to the victim on how to return to safety and normal life.
Ombudsperson: Clients repeatedly complain about quality of work of Orphan’s and Custody Courts
The Ombudsperson Karina Palkova continues to meet with clients to ensure an open dialogue with the public and to timely identify violations of human rights and good governance. On Thursday, 13 November, during visitations, clients raised several important issues that require further assessment, including the actions of the Orphan’s and Custody Courts and the quality of their work.
Ombudsperson calls on the Parliament to review the regulation on early start of lessons at schools
Starting lessons and consultation at school before 8.00 does not comply with the rights and best interests of children. On Wednesday, 12 November, the Ombudsperson Karina Palkova joined the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Affairs and invited the MPs to review the normative framework so that a uniform lesson starting time is determined in all schools, according to the needs of children.
Projects implemented with EU funds must be accessible to everyone
On Thursday, 6 November, Anete Ilves, the Head of the Discrimination Prevention Division, participated in the meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the European Union (EU) Funds for the 2021-2027 programming period organised by the Ministry of Finance. Ms Ilves informed the meeting participants that the basic principles of accessibility are already included in the regulatory framework, as well as various guidelines or practical recommendations are available for accessibility of both environmental accessibility and digital goods and services, including websites.
Inaccessibility of online surveys or technical barriers preventing people with disabilities from expressing their opinion
Online surveys are a common tool for study of public opinion. But, as found out in a study by the Ombudsman’s Office: most polls exclude a significant part of the population – people with disabilities. This is due to the inaccessibility of online surveys, or technological gaps that do not allow people with disabilities from filling them in.
Ombudsman educates:
- Promotes understanding of mobbing and bossing in the working environment
- Discussing challenges in the context of security
- NGO representatives are informed about the submission of reports to the UN and students get to know about the functions of the Ombudsman’s Office