Application

Not sure how to write an application? That’s ok! You’re not alone! Watch the video above to find out the most important things you need to know. You can turn on English subtitles by going to the video settings, choosing the desired language, and then turning on the captions (CC).

Submitting an application

You can submit an application to the Ombudsman by posting it to the Ombudsman’s Office at Baznīcas iela 25, Rīga, LV-1010 or by delivering it to the Ombudsman’s Office in person during working hours – from Monday to Thursday at 9.00 – 16.00.

Applications can also be submitted electronically:

• by e-mail address tiesibsargs@tiesibsargs.lv – in this case, they must be signed with a secure electronic signature and with an attached time stamp;
• sent to the Ombudsman’s e-address – if the applicant has created his own e-address.

What is an e-address?

The e-address or official electronic address is a digital mailbox on the Latvija.lv portal (in the “My workplace” section) and provides the opportunity to officially communicate with all state and local government institutions.

Asking a question

You can ask the ombudsman questions and receive answers about happened or possible violations of human rights or good governance in state or local government institutions, discrimination or violation of equal treatment. The answer is given within 14 days.

• E-mail: tiesibsargs@tiesibsargs.lv
• Consultations by phone: +371 67686768; +371 20455634

Consideration of applications

The Ombudsman examines issues of human rights and good governance both on his own initiative and based on individual applications.

One can apply to the Ombudsman’s Office with a written application by sending it by mail or electronically, or submit one on site.

Correspondence (application to the Ombudsman and the response of the Ombudsman) between the Ombudsman and persons who are in the military service, out-family care or in a closed-type institution, is not subject to the inspection specified in the regulatory acts and is immediately handed over to the addressee.

Consideration of applications at the Office of the Ombudsman is free of charge and confidential.

What to include in the application?

The submission must include:

• name and surname;
• phone number and;
• the address to which the reply should be sent;
• if necessary, also other information that will help to contact the applicant.

The application can be submitted in computer type or in legible handwriting.

Regarding the possible violation, the application should include information about:

• the institution or person against whom the complaint is directed;
• a detailed representation of the facts in the order in which they occurred, providing an accurate description of the events and circumstances, indicating the names and surnames of the persons or officials involved, the exact name and address of the institution, as well as the negative consequences of the violation (damage caused);
• information on whether the institution’s action or decision has been challenged in a higher institution and appealed, if such a possibility existed.

The applicant must first contact those officials whose competence is to evaluate the specific issue on its merits and verify the legality of the contested decision. If the applicant has not used this option for protection of their rights, the Ombudsman usually does not consider such applications, but provides information about the mechanisms of rights’ protection established in the country and the possibilities of using it.

The application should specifically indicate if the applicant does not want the Ombudsman to contact the defendant and other involved institutions that have reviewed the specific case or are entitled to review it. It should also be made known if the applicant does not want his personal data, identity to be disclosed, however, it should be taken into account that in this case the work of the ombudsman may be hampered and the possibility of successfully solving the case decreases.

Copies of documents related to the alleged violation must be attached to the submission.