Ombudswoman participates in the GANHRI Annual Meeting

On 31 March, Ombudswoman of Latvia Karina Palkova participated in the Annual Meeting of the GANHRI (Global Alliance Of National Human Rights Institutions) in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss current global human rights challenges with human rights defenders from other countries.

During the event, the Ombudswoman received a highly significant document – accreditation certificate acknowledging that the Ombudsman’s Office of Latvia meets highest UN standards, enabling it to advocate for residents of Latvian also at the international level. It should be noted that the Ombudsman’s Office has received this accreditation for the third time, each time reaffirming that work of the institution is centred on the individual and on finding solutions at the highest level.

We are also delighted for our friends – Office of the Estonian Chancellor of Justice and Finnish Human Rights Centre who have also received the UN’s highest evaluation. During a meeting with colleagues from the Ukrainian Ombudsman’s Office the Latvian Ombudswoman confirmed readiness to provide assistance to the Ukrainian Ombudsman’s Office on their path to UN accreditation, which is scheduled to take place in just a few months.

GANHRI is a global network that brings together more than 110 national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to promote and protect human rights in accordance with the Paris Principles. GANHRI provides accreditation, offers support, and fosters cooperation among institutions, operating as an independent organization with a secretariat in Geneva.