News from the Ombudsman’s Office: September 2025
News and events of the Ombudsman’s Office in September 2025 (information in links mostly available in Latvian).
Parliament approves Karina Palkova as the new Ombudsperson

On 18 September, members of the Saeima confirmed Dr.iur Ms Karina Palkova in the position of Ombudsperson, with 71 MPs voting for her approval. Ms Palkova has put the protection of children’s rights, digital safety and human rights in the digital environment, social protection, eradication of domestic violence and the openness and accessibility of the Ombudsman’s institution to the people of Latvia at the top of her priorities.
Being protected from violence is a human right, not a discussion topic
The Ombudsman Karina Palkova emphasizes: “Notwithstanding the decision of the Saeima on the Istanbul Convention, people in Latvian must know that human rights, as defined by international and national law, will be protected.”
The new infrastructure of Liepaja Prison gives hope for Ombudsman’s recommendations to be to fulfilled
On 22 September, the Ministry of Justice received the newly finished building of Liepāja prison, a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office also participated in the event. The newly built Liepaja Prison will provide an opportunity to implement Ombudsman’s recommendations made so far on modern prison infrastructure that does not comply with human rights requirements and the hierarchy of prisoners. The most modern and secure prison in the Baltics and Northern Europe is scheduled to be opened in March 2026.
In Daugavpils, the Ombudsman discusses how to improve the protection of people against violence with professionals in the field
On 19 September, the Ombudsman’s Office organised a regional workshop on the temporary protection mechanism against violence in Daugavpils, where members of the judiciary, police, social services and Orphan’s and Custody Court gathered to share their experience, to discuss improvements, as well as to analyse case-specific practices and inter-institutional cooperation.
Draft legislation affecting a wider society must be subject to public consultation
The Ombudsman’s Office has called on the Ministry of Agriculture to act in accordance with good governance and to ensure public consultation on amendments to the Law on Forests and amendments to the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment. Both draft laws are being pushed forward with the shortened deadline for harmonisation, without ensuring public consultation with society at all.
Ombudsman replies: Can cultural institutions deny access to a person with a service dog?
A person with a disability who needs a service dog wants to attend a theatre performance or a concert, but the organizers deny entrance. May the institution do so? The key is the environment in which the event takes place, considering the diversity of cultural institutions and accessibility solutions within them. Claims made by event organisers regarding the behaviour of service dogs may not be grounds for denying entry.
Orphan’s and Custody Court may not hesitate when determining access rights between a child in out-of-family care and a person close to them
Decisions of the Orphan’s and Custody Court, whether, when and how grandparents may meet their grandchildren in out-of-family care, must be concise, concrete and taken without undue delay. Therefore, the Ombudsman called on the Ministry of Welfare and the Ministry of Justice to develop amendments to legal norms, which would oblige the Orphan’s and Custody Court to take at least a temporary decision on ensuring access rights within a month by 1 November 2025.
Ombudsman’s Office reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
On 2 September, a representative of the Ombudsman’s Office participated in the session of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and informed the Committee representatives about the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities in Latvia.
Ombudsman educates
- Expert raises awareness about the aspects of mobbing and bossing, as well as current patient rights’ issues
- Representatives of the judiciary were presented the research on the effectiveness of mechanisms of temporary protection against violence in courts
- Risks of sexual harassment and prevention: topic essential for future police officers
- Students are educated on electoral literacy and the risks of trafficking in human beings
- Practical tips for employees and employers at the Job Opportunities Forum for All