News from the Ombudsman’s Office: January 2026
News and events of the Ombudsman’s Office in January 2026 (information in links mostly available in Latvian).
Successful first meeting of the Advisory Council on Disability Affairs
On 22 January, the first meeting of the Ombudswoman’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs took place, where almost 40 different non-governmental organisations (NGOs) representing people with disabilities from Riga and many regions of Latvia participated. The Ombudsman and NGO representatives jointly agreed on the work to be carried out in the first quarter of this year.
Iļģuciems prison has problems with heating, however, the prison management solves them
On 21 January 2026, the Ombudsman visited Iļģuciems Prison for women without prior notice to verify publicly reported information on possible heating disorders in prison premises. The monitoring showed that the circumstances were acceptable, but there were things that needed improvement.
Ombudswoman entrusted with fundamental rights monitoring in AI systems
On 15 January, the Parliament adopted amendments to the Ombudsman Law extending the Ombudsman’s powers and rights to monitor fundamental rights observance in artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The Ombudsperson will monitor that AI systems do not undermine human dignity, privacy, equality and the right to a fair process. The new features come into force on 11 February.
Ombudswoman’s consultations: pension issues, access rights, services for Ukrainian citizens
On 15 January, visitors had consultations with Ombudswoman Karina Palkova during which people sought help on specific issues and received support in solving them: on pension recalculation, access rights and the work of Orphan’s and Custody Courts, shortcomings in the work of the Health Inspectorate, social services for Ukrainian citizens, and other topics.
Ombudsman replies: Can a school nurse inject insulin to a child with type 1 diabetes?
Short answer: Yes, the nurse can do that. A school nurse, in agreement with student’s parents, may inject medicine prescribed by a doctor, including insulin, to a student with chronical illness.
Ombudswoman’s work in the first 100 days has led to systemic changes
In the first 100 days, the Ombudswoman Karina Palkova has addressed issues identified as her priorities when taking office. At the same time, K. Palkova has raised issues, the resolution of which has been initiated in the past, but no further progress has been made, as well as expanded dialogue with residents reintroducing Ombudsperson’s consultations and with various civil society organisations.
Ombudswoman’s meetings:
- Ombudswoman meets with representatives of foundation Hospiss LV
- Ombudswoman meets with the Minister of Education and Science
- Ombudswoman meets with the Chairman of Riga City Council focusing on the work of the Orphan’s and Custody Court and protection of children rights
- Ombudswoman meets with representatives of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
Documents prepared by the Ombudsman’s Office:
- Artificial intelligence systems and discrimination aspects
- Informative material on discrimination
- On the application of real estate tax reductions in Riga
- On non-execution of a court ruling on temporary protection against violence
- On availability of clinical feeding services in regions of Latvia
- On the burden of building renovation costs on low-income and poor households