News from the Ombudsman’s Office: February 2026
News and events of the Ombudsman’s Office in February 2026 (information in links mostly available in Latvian).
Issues of family law and patient’s rights are still topical in Ombudswoman’s consultations
On 26 February 2026, the Ombudswoman Karina Palkova met with residents during her regular consultations. Ombudsperson’s consultations are an opportunity for residents to raise important human rights and good governance issues that require the involvement of the Ombudsperson or the Office’s lawyers.
Good governance as an integral part of public services – one of the priorities of the Ombudsperson’s work
Good governance is the attitude of the state and local governments towards a person, the ability to listen, understand and act fairly. Strengthening good governance is one of the priorities set by the Ombudswoman Karina Palkova for 2026. On 25 February, Ineta Rezevska, Head of the Department of Social, Economic and Cultural Rights of the Ombudsman’s Office, introduced the members of the Memorandum Council of the Cabinet of Ministers on the role of the Ombudsman’s Office in the implementation and monitoring of good governance and Office’s plans for this year.
President Edgars Rinkēvičs visits the Ombudsman’s Office
On 17 February 2026, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the Ombudsman’s Office and met with the Ombudswoman Karina Palkova to discuss work priorities.
Law students invited to register a team for annual human rights moot court
By 3 March, the Ombudswoman Karina Palkova invited law students to apply for participation in the tenth moot court on human rights. This year’s topic is related to family law and the prevention of domestic violence.
Ombudsman replies: Should application be electronically signed if sent via e-address?
Recently, there have been cases when residents turn to the institution with a submission via e-address but have not signed the submission. Should in such cases the application also be signed with an electronic signature? Short answer: no, it is not mandatory to sign it with a secure electronic signature (e-signature) when submitting an application via e-address.
Ombudsperson finds loopholes in the law and practice that do not allow to receive an electricity discount for large families
Ombudsperson invites all large families with foster children or children under guardianship up to the age of 24 who continue to study to apply to the State Construction Control Bureau for a discount on the electricity service. Large families are entitled to the benefits of the so-called protected user.
Food manufacturers will review the compliance of packaging with universal design
Ombudswoman Karina Palkova contacted the Latvian Federation of Food Companies, Association of Food Traders, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Latvian Agricultural Organisation Cooperation Council and Latvian Packaging Association, asking them to pay attention to the packaging design so that people with visual disabilities can more easily distinguish and buy goods. The Latvian Federation of Food Companies confirms the importance of universal design and has informed the Ombudsperson that they will review options.
Ombudsman educates: children learn about their rights and obligations, universities learn about the recognition of sexual harassment
Representatives of the Ombudsman’s Office conducted practical lectures on children’s rights and obligations, as well as informed about the Ombudsman’s role and the work of the Office in Riga Agenskalns Primary School.