32/15 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Latvia

GE.16-06121(E)

*1606121*

Human Rights Council Thirty-second session

Agenda item 6

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Latvia

*

The annex is being circulated in the language of submission only.

Contents

Page

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3

A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 6

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 14

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 26

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fourth session from 18 to 29

January 2016. The review of Latvia was held at the 13th meeting on 26 January 2016. The

delegation of Latvia was headed by the State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Andrejs Pildegovičs. At its 17th meeting, held on 28 January 2016, the Working Group

adopted the report on Latvia.

2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Latvia: Ethiopia, Germany and Indonesia.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Latvia:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/LVA/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/24/LVA/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/24/LVA/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico,

the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Latvia through the troika. These questions

are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. Latvia emphasized its strong support for the peer review process and that it would

continue its active and constructive participation in the Working Group. The national report

had been elaborated by an inter-institutional working group in consultation with non-

governmental organizations and the Office of the Ombudsman. Latvia thanked States that

had sent questions in advance.

6. Latvia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule

of law. Its history had taught it that freedom and human rights should never be taken for

granted. The protection of human rights had been an indispensable part of it foreign and

domestic policies, since it regained its independence in 1990 after decades of Soviet

occupation. Its commitment in the field of human rights had been demonstrated by its

accession to the major United Nations human rights instruments and the regular submission

of reports to their monitoring mechanisms. Its human rights’ record was thus regularly

scrutinized, including through the European regional mechanisms.

7. Latvia stated that it was proud to have been a member of the Human Rights Council

since 2015. It had continued its long-term initiative to encourage States to issue a standing

invitation to all the special procedures.

8. Latvia highlighted the importance it attached to its engagement with civil society. It

had ensured civil society’s engagement in decision-making at all levels and this

collaboration was constantly being strengthened. Transparent and inclusive governance was

being promoted through new technologies. Parliamentary and Government meetings were

broadcast live on the Internet; citizens could propose new legislation via the Internet.

9. Latvia drew attention to its achievements since the first review in 2011, commencing

with the adoption in 2014 of the Preamble of the Constitution which reasserted the

principles of democracy, pluralism and human rights embodied the Constitution and also

reaffirmed the rights of persons belonging to national minorities to preserve and develop

their language and ethnic and cultural identity. In 2013, the Amendments to the Citizenship

Law came into force significantly extending the scope for dual citizenship and further

simplifying the procedure for granting citizenship and naturalization. For example,

citizenship was granted automatically to children of stateless persons and non-citizens.

10. Latvia was pleased to note that in March 2015 the Office of the Ombudsman had

been accredited by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights

Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights with “A” status. The

Government had constantly increased its funding to ensure its effective functioning. It also

noted that in November 2015 a new institution — the Internal Security Office —

commenced operations in order to ensure the efficient and independent investigation of

criminal offences committed by officials of the law enforcement agencies.

11. Latvia stated that it had acceded to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and the

Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation

and Sexual Abuse. It would continue to evaluate the possibility of acceding to other

international human rights instruments in due course.

12. Latvia stated that the principles of gender equality were taken into account in every

policy planning and policymaking process. The Gender Equality Action Plan (2012-2014)

aimed at an efficient, integrated and coordinated approach to gender equality. It noted that

in 2015 the Global Gender Gap Report had ranked Latvia among the 20 leading countries

in the field of gender equality and the report concluded that Latvia had fully closed the

gender gap in the fields of health and survival as well as education attainment. Latvia also

noted its strength in women’s economic participation and provided further relevant

statistics. Recognizing that there was always room for further improvement, for example, in

regard to the gender pay gap, a new policy planning document was being elaborated.

13. Latvia had intensified its efforts to eliminate domestic violence. In 2014, complex

amendments introducing temporary protection against violence had entered into force. It

had also undertaken to accede to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and

combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) by

2018. Other measures that it had implemented included the provision of quality social

rehabilitation services, training of experts and public awareness-raising on domestic

violence.

14. As a regional leader in the fight against human trafficking, Latvia had continued to

strengthen its efforts in this field. A number of improvements to the normative framework

had been made, for example, specifying a definition of human trafficking. Other measures

related to building the capacity of law enforcement agencies in this field and increased

State-funded support for victims, compensation and rehabilitation.

15. Measures to improve conditions of detention in prisons had been reinforced. A

comprehensive audit had been carried out in 2013 and 2014 to develop proposals for their

improvement. The relevant international standards had been enshrined in the respective

legal acts. The reforms in the period from 2011 to 2015 had led to the number of prisoners

being been reduced by 30 per cent; these measures included amendments to the Criminal

Law in 2013 that reformed the system of penalties and provided for the use of alternative

penalties to deprivation of liberty.

16. Latvia highlighted the anti-discrimination provisions enshrined in the Constitution

and legislation. In 2013, the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination of Natural Persons —

Performers of Economic Activities was adopted and in 2014 the Criminal Law was

amended providing criminal liability for discrimination due to racial, national, ethnic or

religious belonging or for the violation of the prohibition of any other type of

discrimination, if substantial harm is caused. A wide range of policy measures had also

been implemented, including the further development of the discrimination monitoring

system, the review of existing anti-discrimination norms and educational and awareness-

raising events.

17. Latvia stated that it had been working to reduce discrimination against Roma and to

ensure them equal opportunities, especially in the field of education, and noted especially

among its policy measures the programme for professional training of teacher’s assistants

with a Roma background. In relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons,

Latvia had paid attention to the training of experts, including from the Police, on issues

related to protection of those persons’ rights and it highlighted its cooperation with the

European organizations and agencies working in this field and with civil society.

18. On the subject of hate crimes, Latvia stated that the Criminal Law provided for

criminal liability for incitement to national, ethnic, racial or religious enmity. In addition,

racist, national, ethnic or religious motives were defined as an aggravating circumstance.

The same law also provided criminal liability for acts aimed at inciting hatred or enmity

based on gender, age, disability of a person or any other characteristics, if substantial harm

is caused. The authorities had stepped up efforts to monitor online hate speech and trained

police experts in the field, including in collaboration with the Organization for Security and

Co-operation in Europe.

19. Latvia stated that it was proud of its tolerant, open and multilingual society. There

were more than 150 ethnicities living in the country. Latvian policies had ensured

protection of their rights and enjoyment of the culture, language and traditions of national

minorities and they were engaged in policy-planning and decision-making processes.

20. The unique State education system of Latvia included minority education

programmes in seven languages. Measures aimed at improving the quality of bilingual

education were being implemented regularly. The examination results in general education

schools were similar to those in schools implementing national minority education

programmes; students at national minority schools earned even higher scores in some

subjects. The Government provided free Latvian language courses for members of national

minorities and their proficiency had improved such that more than 94 per cent of them

could now communicate in Latvian in comparison with 23 per cent in 1989.

21. Latvia reported that, after the restoration of its independence in 1990, the temporary

status of “non-citizen” had been established and was granted to persons who had

immigrated during the period of Soviet occupation as a result of deliberate migration policy

of the authorities of the Soviet Union and had lost citizenship of the Union of Soviet

Socialist Republics with its dissolution. These persons or their descendants had never been

citizens of Latvia. Latvia had always stressed that the status of non-citizens was of a

temporary nature. Latvian non-citizens were not stateless and this had been clearly stated in

law. All preconditions for a successful naturalization process had been created and the

process had repeatedly been simplified in accordance with international standards so as to

be one of the most liberal in Europe. Almost 150,000 persons had chosen to become

citizens of Latvia. At the same time non-citizens enjoyed the same social guarantees and

most of the rights guaranteed to Latvian citizens and enjoyed full legal protection in Latvia

and full consular protection while living or travelling abroad.

22. Latvia underlined that the citizenship acquisition and naturalization process had

been further simplified, including in 2013 through the granting the Latvian citizenship

automatically to children of stateless persons and non-citizens. In total, 99 per cent of

children born in Latvia in 2015 were citizens of Latvia. At the same time, Latvia

accommodated 178 stateless persons and provided protection as a party to the relevant

convention. Latvia requested that the distinction between the aforementioned groups be

clearly observed during the interactive dialogue.

23. In order to tackle increased migration and forced displacement, in January 2016 the

new Asylum Law had entered into force. Latvia stated that the new law had further

expanded the rights of asylum seekers, including through increased State funded legal

assistance. In November 2015, the Government had approved the Action Plan for the

admission of relocated and resettled asylum seekers.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

24. Italy commended the achievements of Latvia in promoting gender equality and the

creation of the Gender Equality Committee that strengthened the cooperation between

institutions and civil society. It appreciated the amendments to criminal law that related to

the prevention of domestic violence.

25. Jamaica noted the progress made by Latvia in the promotion of gender equality,

societal integration, and protection of persons with disabilities. It had questions relating to

the use of the Latvian language by members of national minorities, including with respect

to their employment, and on the measures to reduce poverty and improve access to health

care.

26. Kenya welcomed initiatives addressing challenges in the promotion of tolerance,

inclusivity and non-discrimination. It commended programmes to integrate human rights

into the curriculum and amendments to the Citizenship Law. It was concerned at the

reported large proportion of stateless persons in Latvia.

27. Kyrgyzstan noted that Latvia was working to improve and strengthen human rights

institutions in constructive cooperation with international mechanisms and the progress

made in achieving gender equality, including the involvement of women in decision-

making, especially in the economy.

28. Libya thanked Latvia for the comprehensive presentation in its national report.

29. Liechtenstein welcomed the efforts of Latvia for the elimination of discrimination

against women and the fight against violence against women. It noted concerns about the

lack of adequate and systematic assistance to victims of violence against women.

30. Lithuania commended Latvia for measures taken to implement recommendations

from the first review, including in relation to naturalization, improved conditions for

linguistic minorities to facilitate their integration, progress in the involvement of women in

decision-making and in combating human trafficking.

31. Malaysia commended the efforts of Latvia in, inter alia, promoting gender equality

tackling domestic violence and protecting persons with disabilities. It urged Latvia to

monitor and prevent any activities that legitimized Nazism and violent extremist ideology.

32. Mexico welcomed the ratification of the second optional protocol to the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as legislative reforms

regarding trafficking in persons. It acknowledged and congratulated Latvia for its efforts to

facilitate naturalization processes and gender equality.

33. Montenegro commended progress in women rights, especially women’s

involvement in decision-making and the e-governance platform that facilitated public

initiatives for legislation. It asked about the results achieved in implementing the

Guidelines on National Identity, Civil Society and Integration Policy in relation to national

minorities.

34. Morocco appreciated the importance Latvia attached to the fight against racial

discrimination and hate crimes, including through the criminalization of incitement to

hatred and the modification of the Criminal Law making “racist” motivation an aggravating

circumstance and other measures.

35. Namibia was pleased to note the progress made with regard to gender. It noted the

programmes and policies that were under way to enhance societal integration and

commended Latvia on its accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

36. The Philippines acknowledged the progress made by Latvia, including in promoting gender equality; protecting women against violence; promoting education and societal

integration; and combating hate crimes. It encouraged Latvia to address the reported

continuing cases of trafficking in persons.

37. Nicaragua welcomed the measures taken as follow-up to previous recommendations

on the elimination of all forms of discrimination, as well as measures in favour of the

empowerment of women.

38. Norway welcomed the significant progress made by Latvia since the first review,

including the expansion of the rights’ of victims of trafficking and congratulated Latvia for

the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman with “A” status.

39. Pakistan was encouraged by such measures as the new laws to protect women

against violence. It noted with concern that victims of trafficking were still treated as

irregular migrants and the increased negative political discourse in relation to migrants,

especially Muslims.

40. Paraguay welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in law and the amendments to

the Law on Execution of Sentences. It encouraged Latvia to ratify the Council of Europe

Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic

Violence.

41. The Netherlands appreciated the positive role played by Latvia in the field of human

rights and commended its track record in relation to press freedom. It encouraged Latvia to

continue its efforts in areas such as the judicial system and non-discrimination.

42. Poland welcomed the efforts of Latvia to comply with the recommendations from

the first review. It thanked Latvia for ensuring a good environment for the Polish minority,

including the educational and cultural opportunities and possibility of freedom of

association.

43. Portugal welcomed the positive steps Latvia had taken since the first review, such as

the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights.

44. The Republic of Korea welcomed the adoption of amendments to the Citizenship

Law and to the Law on Execution of Sentences, as well as the Gender Equality Action Plan

(2012-2014) and the National Strategy for the Prevention of Human Trafficking (2014-

2020).

45. The Republic of Moldova noted positively the improvements to the normative

framework for combatting human trafficking following its recommendations in the first

review. It asked whether the national identification and referral mechanism in that field was

fully operational.

46. Latvia commenced its responses to the questions that had been raised and underlined

that it had sustainable and long-term policies for the fight against human trafficking and a

third national multi-institutional strategy had been adopted. Latvia had created guidelines

for municipalities in the field and was implementing a multidisciplinary project using an

evidence-based approach with a focus on preventing sham marriages.

47. Turning to the resettlement and integration of asylum seekers, Latvia provided more

details of its action plan, which had been prepared in close cooperation with international

organizations, civil society, municipalities and line ministries. Individual integration would

be achieved through Latvian language courses from the very first day of arrival; access to

the labour market; and social mentoring and social work, based on individual assessments.

48. In relation to combating violence against women, Latvia stated that it had adopted

an effective system, based upon immediate response and had clear evidence for this.

49. Latvia also stressed that the Criminal Law provided for the concept of domestic

violence and amendments to it in 2014 introduced widened criminal liability for rape,

including spousal rape. In addition, the Ministry of Justice had prepared an amendment to

improve the rights of victims of these offences. Furthermore, the Government had adopted

the concept of preventive coercive measures, a new instrument for early prevention of

offences. It aimed to achieve a long-term reduction in the number and reoccurrence of

cases. In preparation for its accession to the Istanbul Convention Latvia planned to fully

review its legislative framework and ensure full compliance with the Convention.

50. Responding to a question concerning hate crime, Latvia reminded the meeting of the

provisions of the Criminal Law and added that it had been improved in 2015 with the

additional definition of “substantial harm” arising from crimes involving discrimination.

51. Latvia reported that, in 2014, its legislation had been amended to add a specific

crime to fight against torture and, in December 2015, to define the term of torture in full

compliance with international conventions.

52. Latvia stressed that there were 178 stateless persons out of a population of 2 million

and this could hardly be called “massive statelessness”. In relation to the special category of

Latvian residents called “non-citizens”, Latvia again underlined that those people belonged

to the State of Latvia, they enjoyed the full protection of the country, the same freedoms of

movement across the European Union, all social rights and most of the political rights,

except the rights to vote at the local and national elections.

53. Latvia stressed that it recognized the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of

speech but it had condemned, and continued to condemn harshly, any expression of

totalitarian ideologies, including Nazism.

54. Romania commended Latvia for initiative the cooperation with special procedures. It

appreciated the strong commitment of Latvia to human rights through the implementation

of the recommendations from the first review.

55. The Russian Federation expressed deep concern about the holding of regular public

events that justified Nazism. It remained concerned about the situation of residents of

Latvia who held the status of “non-citizen” and about the situation of linguistic minorities.

56. Saudi Arabia commended efforts to strengthen human rights and to guarantee the

future of every citizen irrespective of their origins. It was concerned about the

manifestation of racial discrimination, discrimination based on religion belief, hatred

against foreigners and Islamophobia.

57. Slovenia welcomed the measures undertaken since the first review, including the

training of police on non-discrimination and on combating hate crimes. It was concerned,

inter alia, that the detention of asylum seekers might have become the norm.

58. South Africa noted with appreciation the efforts of Latvia towards implementing

recommendations received during its first review, in particular progress in preventing and

combating violence against women and domestic violence.

59. Spain congratulated Latvia for its reforms with respect to the acquisition of

nationality. It welcomed the steps to combat discrimination, and recognized the advances

made with regard to persons with disabilities, in particular their education and the relevant

legislation.

60. Sweden welcomed the complete abolition of the death penalty in Latvia in 2012. It

noted reports of overcrowding in places of detention, inter-prisoner violence, a lack of

medical care for prisoners and a lack of foreign language skills among prison staff.

61. Tajikistan noted the readiness of Latvia to take measures to improve the national

human rights mechanism, as well its efforts to combat trafficking in human beings and

protect the rights of the child.

62. Thailand commended the progress made by Latvia to implement the

recommendations from the first review. It expressed concern at reported racist speech and

discrimination against vulnerable groups and noted positive developments in access to

quality education and participation for persons with disabilities.

63. Turkey commended Latvia for its achievements in such areas as combating domestic

violence and efforts in combating hate crimes, simplifying the naturalization procedures

and ensuring social inclusion for vulnerable groups. It welcomed the abolition of the death

penalty.

64. Ukraine commended the improvements to the legal framework and reforms of

national human rights institutions in order to, inter alia, eliminate all forms of

discrimination and promote the rights of minorities. Those changes addressed many

recommendations from the first review.

65. The United Arab Emirates recognized the commitment of Latvia to human rights

and its many achievements, including the measures taken to promote societal integration. It

was concerned at reports of religious and racial discrimination, racially motivated crimes,

hate speech and Islamophobia.

66. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland appreciated the progress

made, including in the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman to the International

Coordinating Committee and the amendments in the Citizenship Law that encouraged

acquisition of citizenship by children of non-citizens.

67. The United States of America commended Latvia for promoting a tolerant society

and its efforts towards the restitution of Jewish communal properties and encouraged

further progress in the latter. It urged Latvia to continue to address intolerance against

immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees and members of ethnic and religious minorities.

68. Uruguay commended the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the

Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse and encouraged

Latvia to increase its efforts to counter trafficking and to present the outstanding reports to

the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

69. Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction such measures as the simplification of

naturalization procedures. It noted concerns expressed by the special procedures in areas

such as racist discourse, discrimination against Roma and other minorities and the excess

use of force by law enforcement officers.

70. Afghanistan noted with appreciation the involvement of non-governmental

organizations in interministerial working groups in the drafting of the national report, as

well as the incorporation of human rights in educational programmes of the public

administration.

71. Algeria appreciated measures taken by Latvia in such areas as social integration. It

encouraged Latvia to continue its efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices against

women and gender disparities in employment, and to establish guarantees against the

arbitrary detention of asylum seekers.

72. Argentina commended Latvia for its ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to

the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It considered that Latvia still had

to overcome challenges in the fight against discrimination and violence against the lesbian,

bisexual, transgender and intersex community.

73. Armenia welcomed the efforts of Latvia to promote effective cooperation between

States and the special procedures. It appreciated the efforts of Latvia, including in the

prevention of crimes against humanity, criminalizing the denial of genocide and

simplifying procedures for acquiring citizenship.

74. Australia commended Latvia for its commitment to the abolition of the death penalty

and for its efforts in facilitating the naturalisation of non-citizens. However, the number of

non-citizens remained large. It noted reports of discrimination against Roma.

75. Bahrain continued to be concerned about reports of the conditions of refugees and

asylum seekers, including the reports of the Human Rights Committee about the detention

upon arrival of asylum seekers, including children, without legal basis.

76. Belarus appreciated the efforts of Latvia to combat human trafficking and noted that

the naturalization process had been simplified although the number of non-citizens

remained large. It expressed concern at inadequate responses towards an increase of

violence against minorities and racist speech.

77. Brazil noted with appreciation the accession of Latvia to the Second Optional

Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as amendments

made to the Citizenship Law to facilitate the naturalization procedure for children of non-

citizens born in Latvia.

78. Bulgaria commended the progress made in gender equality, combating

discrimination and protecting persons with disabilities. It appreciated the establishment of a

Division of the Rights of Children in the Office of Ombudsman and measures taken to

combat domestic violence.

79. Canada commended the simplification of procedures for acquiring Latvian

citizenship. It acknowledged the ratification by Latvia of Protocol No. 13 to the Convention

for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of

the death penalty in all circumstances.

80. Latvia resumed its responses to the questions it had received and, returning to the

issue of integration, it elaborated further on the provision of free Latvian language classes.

In relation to the protection of the rights of minorities and minority languages and culture in

particular, Latvia also gave details on the provision of education in minority languages. It

noted that in 2015 a draft new law was approved by the Government to strengthen the

protection of the intangible cultural heritage of national minorities.

81. In relation to integration and naturalization, Latvia provided more information about

its efforts to reduce the number of non-citizens.

82. Returning to the fight against hate speech and discrimination, Latvia elaborated

upon the amendments to its legislation and the measures related to the investigation of

cases. In order to prevent hate speech in public discourse, Latvia reiterated its strong

commitment to freedom of speech and provided further information on related

developments.

83. In relation to the Roma, Latvia stated that since 2013 there had been no segregated

classes for Roma children and the State also funded assistance to help them improve their

performance in school.

84. Latvia stated that it had carefully noted the recommendations to ratify additional

international human rights instruments and would give them its most serious consideration.

It recalled that every person had the right to submit an individual application before the

European Court of Human Rights, the rulings of which were legally binding, and

emphasized that, according to analysis by the experts of the Council of Europe, there were

no judgments of the Court pending the review of implementation that revealed a systematic

problem in Latvia or an issue that requiring urgent action. In relation to reporting

mechanisms, it acknowledged some delays in submitting national reports, partly due to the

economic crisis. Latvia had been working systematically to clear the backlog.

85. Latvia reiterated that all types of domestic violence were already covered by the

Criminal Law. In relation to combating hate crime Latvia stated that it was planning to

introduce a special term of “vulnerable victim”; persons who have suffered from hate crime

would automatically be recognized as “vulnerable victims” and receive specific State help

and support.

86. Latvia provided further information with respect to training of the judiciary in

human rights and detailed how human rights could only be restricted in limited

circumstances under Latvian law.

87. Latvia reaffirmed that it was making ongoing efforts to improve prison conditions

and elaborated upon its audit of all prison facilities. The results included the closure of one

prison and sections of others and the approval of a comprehensive programme of

improvement and renovation, which would continue in 2016. A new prison would also be

built in 2019. Latvia stated that it did not suffer from the problem of overcrowding in

prisons. Since 2012, prisoners had enjoyed the same health care provision as society in

general.

88. Regarding ill-treatment of inmates, Latvia stated that there was a special internal

procedure to investigate every accusation of possible ill-treatment. The Investigative Unit

had been removed from the prisons and has been subordinated to the Chief for Prison

Administration, to ensure neutrality and objective investigation of such cases. All

allegations were investigated carefully.

89. Latvia stressed that it had begun the process of drafting a new law on the execution

of punishments, which would be in full compliance with all the international and European

standards that related to deprivation of the liberty.

90. Latvia reassured the meeting that all refusals of naturalization could be challenged in

court.

91. Chile appreciated the efforts made by Latvia to promote and protected human rights

by strengthening its civil and criminal legislation, as well as adopting national programmes

in matters as asylum, fight against discrimination, gender equality, people trafficking,

identity and integration.

92. China noted with satisfaction the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Procedure

Code and to the law on a state body to combat corruption. It noted the efforts of Latvia in

combating human trafficking and domestic violence and providing protection to victims.

93. Costa Rica commended the abolition of the death penalty and the amendments to the

Asylum Law. It expressed concerns about reported cuts to the budgets cut of the Office of

the Ombudsman, the lack of sanctions for torture and other issues.

94. The Czech Republic made a statement and recommendations.

95. Denmark commended Latvia for being party to the core international human rights

treaties that prohibited torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. It

noted that Latvia had not ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

96. Djibouti noted with satisfaction such measures as the amendments to the Asylum

Law. It expressed concern that asylum seekers had been detained in centres in which the

conditions had deteriorated and that the principle of refoulement had not been respected by

Latvia.

97. Ecuador welcomed the efforts of Latvia since the first review. It was concerned

about reports of racist and xenophobic speeches, violence and discrimination against

vulnerable groups, members of minorities and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and

intersex community.

98. Egypt welcomed steps taken by Latvia since the last review. It requested further

information regarding efforts to address reported concerns in the areas of racism,

discrimination against Roma, the rights of “non-citizens”, excessive use of force and ill-

treatment in police facilities, domestic violence and human trafficking.

99. Estonia commended Latvia for its progress, including in the area of promoting

gender equality, in particular the high level of participation of women in political and

economic decision-making, in combating trafficking in persons and in the naturalization

process.

100. Finland was pleased with the progress of Latvia in relation to non-discrimination,

especially awareness-raising on the rights of sexual minorities. It welcomed the efforts to

achieve gender equality, the attention paid to maternal health and the steps taken to ensure

the rights of the child.

101. France noted with appreciation the strengthening the legal framework to reduce

domestic violence and the mandate and resources of the Office of the Ombudsman as well

as the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights.

102. Georgia welcomed the adoption of the amendments to the Citizenship Law, Latvian

achievements in women’s participation in the decision-making and steps towards

improving maternal and child health. It highlighted the accreditation of the Office of the

Ombudsman with “A” status.

103. Germany thanked Latvia for its strong engagement with the Council and its

commitment to advancing international human rights policy. It appreciated progress since

the first review, in particular in the fields of citizenship, societal integration and the penal

system.

104. Honduras commended Latvia for the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol of

the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the amendments to the Asylum

Law relating to the processing of asylum applications.

105. Hungary applauded the active and positive role played by Latvia as a member of the

Council. It requested more information about how Latvia saw the potential to further

increase the inclusion of civil society in the preparation of its national report.

106. Iceland applauded the achievement of Latvia since the first review, including the

ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against

Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse and the abolition of the death penalty in law.

107. India welcomed the accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman with “A” status

and urged Latvia to extend adequate resources to it. It encouraged Latvia to continue to pay

attention to the high maternal mortality rates; enhance funding for the rehabilitation of

victims of trafficking; address hate crimes and discrimination; and work towards more

inclusion in education.

108. Indonesia recognized the progress of Latvia in several fields of human rights since

the first review and appreciated its initiatives to involve the Office of the Ombudsman

Office and non-governmental organization in reviewing the draft of its national report.

109. Iraq appreciated the achievements in passing laws related to immigration and the

amendments to the Criminal Law, particularly regarding torture. It welcomed efforts in

enacting the nationality law and the increased number of beneficiaries of that law and

commended the measures to protect the rights of the child.

110. Ireland welcomed the positive contribution of Latvia through its presidency of the

European Council. It welcomed the country’s record in confronting gender inequality and

encouraged it to take further steps for the elimination of domestic violence, including

improving data collection methods.

111. Israel highlighted the measures adopted by Latvia in recent years, including

amendments to the legislation relating to obtaining citizenship, the legal capacity of persons

with disabilities, combating hate crimes, discrimination and trafficking and persons. It also

noted the various plans and guidelines that had been adopted.

112. Ghana noted the reduction in the number of detainees in Latvia since 2013. It was

concerned about allegations of the use of excessive use of force and ill-treatment of

suspects by law enforcement officials during arrests and investigations and encouraged

Latvia to take measures to address the issue.

113. Latvia commenced its concluding responses by providing statistics in answer to

further questions on minority education and stated that State support for education in

minority languages in Latvia exceeded that provided by most European countries.

114. Latvia stated that it continued to take measures to further improve asylum

procedures. It provided details on the rights of asylum seekers under the new law adopted

in 2016. It emphasized that the grounds for the detention of illegal migrants were clearly

described in law and could only be used as an exceptional measure and were decisions

subject to review by the courts.

115. Latvia provided information on persons with disabilities in response to questions

from a number of states. The Government had adopted a holistic document for the

implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and action

plans had been prepared. Education, employment, social protection and public awareness

had been defined as priorities of the policies in Latvia. There were also individual support

mechanisms for children with special needs.

116. Latvia stressed that in 1999 it was the first country in Eastern and Central Europe to

elect a female president and that the current Prime Minister was a women, as were 4 of the

12 ministers.

117. In conclusion, Latvia expressed its gratitude to all delegations that had actively

participated in the interactive dialogue. It appreciated the comments, questions and

recommendations which had been received. Latvia would consider all the recommendations

in good faith and in a careful and thorough manner.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

118. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Latvia and enjoy the support of Latvia:

118.1 Prioritise the ratification of the Council of Europe Convention on

preventing and combating violence against women and domestic Violence and

continue efforts to combat domestic violence, including through actions aimed

at raising public awareness on this issue (Italy);

118.2 Sign and ratify the Istanbul Convention of the Council of Europe on

preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence

(Turkey);

118.3 Consider accession to the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention

on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence

(Estonia);

118.4 Adopt comprehensive legislation on violence against women and

domestic violence as criminal offences; investigate reports of domestic violence

and prosecute perpetrators (Lithuania);

118.5 Continue to review its national legislation with a view to address the

concerns expressed by some treaty bodies concerning the criminalization of

domestic violence (Nicaragua);

118.6 Strengthen existing law and practice to counteract trafficking in

human beings for sexual and labour exploitation, particularly of young women

(Poland);

118.7 Strengthen the implementation of criminal law provisions aimed at

combating racially motivated crimes (United Arab Emirates);

118.8 Implement provisions of criminal legislation aimed at combating

racially motivated crimes and prosecute those responsible, as well as increase

awareness among persons belonging to national minorities about the means

available for legal protection from discrimination and hatred (Belarus);

118.9 Improve domestic mechanisms for the implementation of its

international obligations in the field of human rights (Tajikistan);

118.10 Strengthen the national mechanism on gender equality (Italy);

118.11 Strengthen the Ombudsman’s capacity to investigate and act on

allegations of discriminations in all its forms (United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland);

118.12 Further improve the judiciary system of the country and strengthen

human rights education for its citizens, especially judicial personnel (China);

**

The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

118.13 Organise training courses relating to hate crimes for officers of law

enforcement and the judicial system and raise public awareness about hate

crimes to encourage them to report them (Saudi Arabia);

118.14 Promote greater human rights understanding through relevant

programmes that inculcate respect, tolerance and intercultural understanding

(Malaysia);

118.15 Foster mutual understanding between all nationalities and all racial,

ethnic and religious representatives or groups through tolerance as interaction

between nations and cultures is based on the existence of respect towards

cultural, ethnic, religious, racial, social and other characteristics (Tajikistan);

118.16 Continue to promote and implement policies of tolerance and

inclusion and for the participation of all citizens in the society which contribute

to combating discrimination in all its forms (Nicaragua);

118.17 Develop and implement public awareness campaigns and education

programs to promote diversity and inclusion, while combatting racism,

xenophobia and homophobia (Canada);

118.18 Continue strengthening programmes for combating xenophobia,

discrimination and violence motivated by the sexual orientation and gender

identity of the victims (Chile);

118.19 Engage civil society in the follow-up implementation process of the

UPR recommendations (Poland);

118.20 Increase its capacity to provide timely reporting to treaty bodies in

accordance with its international obligations (Czech Republic);

118.21 Intensify cooperation with the United Nations treaty bodies by

submitting overdue national periodic reports to appropriate committees in the

near future (Uzbekistan);

118.22 Submit its national report to the Committee on the Elimination of

Racial Discrimination, which is overdue since 2007 (Belarus);

118.23 Implement criminal law provisions aimed at combating racially

motivated crimes and punishing perpetrators (South Africa);

118.24 Intensify efforts to combat hate speech (Iraq);

118.25 Continue its efforts at the international level in preventing genocide

and crimes against humanities (Armenia);

118.26 Continue and enhance its efforts to ensure the full implementation of

the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Indonesia);

118.27 Step up efforts to ensure the basic human rights of all detainees by

improving the material condition in prison facilities and police detention

centres as well as investigating cases regarding ill-treatment and violence in

prisons and conducting trainings for prison officers (Republic of Korea);

118.28 Continue efforts to address the issue of overcrowded prisons and take

action to improve the conditions in prisons and detention centres (Sweden);

118.29 Improve conditions in detention and prison facilities, including by

increasing living space and improving access to healthcare services for

detainees (Czech Republic);

118.30 Adopt the measures required to combat all forms of violence against

women, including domestic violence and violence in marriage, both in law and

in practice (Paraguay);

118.31 Continue taking steps to actively prevent and combat violence against

women and domestic violence (Estonia);

118.32 Step up efforts to enforce anti-trafficking legislation (Philippines);

118.33 Ensure the application of the legislation against trafficking in persons

for purposes of labour and sexual exploitation, by undertaking the greatest

efforts for the identification, protection and rehabilitation of victims and the

investigation and prosecution of those responsible (Uruguay);

118.34 Take clear measures to combat trafficking in persons, particularly

trafficking of women and children for the purpose of forced labour and sexual

trade (Bahrain);

118.35 Reinforce measures to prevent trafficking in human beings, provide

effective support and redress to victims, investigate and prosecute offenders

(Bulgaria);

118.36 Continue to strengthen enforcement of anti-trafficking legislation by

investigating and prosecuting offenders, while also reinforcing the mechanisms

of support, rehabilitation, protection and redress for victims (Canada);

118.37 Investigate and prosecute crimes of trafficking in persons and

provide effective support and rehabilitation for the victims (Egypt);

118.38 Strengthen all existing mechanisms within its institutional

infrastructure to prevent and combat trafficking in persons by allocating

human, technical and financial resources; and ensure comprehensive care and

adequate reparation to victims (Honduras);

118.39 Implement reforms to reduce processing times for judicial cases and

reduce perceptions of unfairness in the judicial system (United States of

America);

118.40 Provide protection for the family as the natural and fundamental unit

of the society (Egypt);

118.41 Guarantee freedom of expression, of the press and opinion, including

by effectively investigating cases of attacks against journalists (Bulgaria);

118.42 Develop a national action plan with concrete goals to tackle the

gender pay gap (Slovenia);

118.43 Draw up and implement specific measures to avoid gender-based

segregation in employment, including through equal pay for equal work for

men and women (Mexico);

118.44 Eliminate the pay gap between men and women (Algeria);

118.45 Take action to narrow the gender pay gap and to ensure equal

opportunities for women on the labour market (Israel);

118.46 Continue efforts aimed at reduction of the maternal mortality rate

(Georgia);

118.47 Increase access to technical services for persons with disabilities, with

appropriate support from regional institutions (Jamaica);

118.48 Further develop policies to ensure the full enjoyment of rights of

persons with disabilities, particularly in terms of inclusive education and

accessibility (Israel);

118.49 Continue to take measures in order to protect the rights of national

minorities and their social integration (Armenia);

118.50 Support the teaching of minorities’ languages and cultures in

minority schools (Kyrgyzstan);

118.51 Pay further efforts to elaborate on the education of minority

languages and cultures (Hungary);

118.52 Undertake further analysis of the high percentage of Roma Children

in special education schools in light of the principles of the Council of Europe

and the jurisprudence of the European Convention on Human Rights

(Norway);

118.53 Take further concrete and effective steps towards social inclusion for

Romani people, such as strengthening Latvia’s human rights framework and

providing human rights training to law enforcement authorities in order to

increase protections for Romani people against violations of their human rights

(Australia);

118.54 Continue strengthening programmes for the integration of national

minorities, including the Roma, in order to ensure their economic social and

cultural rights (Chile);

118.55 Continue efforts to reduce the number of non-citizens (Kyrgyzstan);

118.56 Strengthen efforts to encourage the naturalisation of eligible non-

citizens (United States of America);

118.57 Undertake targeted outreach activities to ensure that interested “non-

citizens” are informed and encouraged to apply for naturalization, and provide

free state language training when necessary (Norway);

118.58 Adopt legal and administrative measures in order to guarantee the

basic rights to asylum seekers and refugees, in particular rights which allow

them the access to health assistance services (Argentina);

118.59 Ensure that conditions of reception centres of asylum seekers are in

line with international standards (Djibouti);

118.60 Take further measures to improve the condition of the reception

centres for asylum seekers and ensure asylum seekers have access to adequate

standard of living (Afghanistan);

118.61 Ensure the registration of all newly born children so as to continue

reducing the number of adult non-citizens (Mexico).

119. The following recommendations enjoy the support of Latvia, which considers

that they are already implemented or in the process of implementation:

119.1 Sign and ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,

Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Hungary);

119.2 Build on efforts to address all forms of violence against women by

enacting specific laws that prohibit domestic and sexual violence, including

intimate partner violence, and by investigating all allegations of violence,

prosecuting perpetrators, and ensuring victims are protected and have access

to medical and legal services (Canada);

119.3 Strengthen ongoing efforts against domestic violence, including by

adopting comprehensive legislation that would establish specific offences in this

realm, and by establishing adequate monitoring and investigative mechanisms

(Turkey);

119.4 Make efforts to adopt comprehensive legislation on violence against

women with provisions on domestic violence and marital rape as specific

offences in the Criminal Law and punish perpetrators as well as provide

assistance and recovery for victims (Republic of Korea);

119.5 Pass legislation which qualifies domestic violence and spousal rape as

crimes (Costa Rica);

119.6 Incorporate the definition of torture into the criminal code in

conformity with the standards in the Convention against Torture (Paraguay);

119.7 Ensure the conformity of the definition of torture in criminal law

with the Convention against Torture, that the crime of torture is not subject to

the statute of limitations and that the detention facilities are subject to

monitoring by impartial and independent mechanisms (Egypt);

119.8 Define incitement to violence on grounds of sexual orientation and

gender identity as a criminal offence (South Africa) (Iceland);

119.9 Take measures to strengthen the role and capacity of the

Ombudsman to address issues such as non-discrimination (Namibia);

119.10 Provide the office of the Ombudsman with the human and financial

resources necessary for it to exercise its mandate in accordance with the

principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and

protection of human rights (Portugal);

119.11 Ensure that all allegations of torture and ill-treatment are

investigated by an independent mechanism, and that alleged perpetrators are

effectively prosecuted (Turkey);

119.12 Implement the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture

and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’s recommendation on

offering at least 4 m 2 per prisoner in multi-occupancy cells (Norway);

119.13 Take the necessary steps to ensure that persons with disabilities have

adequate means to participate in politics, especially in the electoral process

(Thailand).

120. The following recommendations will be examined by Latvia which will provide

responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-second session of the Human Rights

Council in June 2016:

120.1 Recognize the competence of Committee on the Elimination of Racial

Discrimination to receive and consider communications from individuals

(South Africa);

120.2 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (South Africa);

120.3 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination

of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Turkey);

120.4 Consider ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on

the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and take

measures in order to combat discrimination against women (Namibia);

120.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Mexico) (South Africa);

120.6 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Ireland);

120.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Optional Protocol the

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (France);

120.8 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as

well as other remaining key international human rights documents (Ukraine);

120.9 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Montenegro)

(Pakistan) (Poland) (South Africa) (Costa Rica) (Ecuador) (Honduras);

120.10 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Morocco);

120.11 Ratify Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (France);

120.12 Intensify its efforts to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Denmark);

120.13 Incorporate the Convention against Torture into the national

legislation and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Lithuania);

120.14 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

establish an Independent National Preventive Mechanism, in compliance with

the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture requirements

(Liechtenstein);

120.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and establish

without delay a national preventive mechanism in accordance with the Protocol

(Czech Republic);

120.16 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

and establish a National Preventive Mechanism (Republic of Moldova);

120.17 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture (Germany);

120.18 Ratify as soon as possible the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Portugal);

120.19 Take measures towards the ratification of the Optional Protocol to

the Convention against Torture (Georgia);

120.20 Accede to the International Convention on the Protection of the

Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Uruguay);

120.21 Consider its accession to the International Convention on the

Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Member of Their Families

(Indonesia);

120.22 Consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families

(Philippines);

120.23 Move towards the ratification of the Convention on the Protection of

the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families and the Optional

Protocol to the Convention against Torture (Chile);

120.24 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Kyrgyzstan) (Ghana)

(Mexico) (Pakistan) (Ecuador) (Honduras);

120.25 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Algeria);

120.26 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Egypt);

120.27 Continue its efforts to ratify the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Morocco);

120.28 Accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All

Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Uruguay);

120.29 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Italy) (Montenegro) (Ghana);

120.30 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance and recognise the competence of the Committee

on Enforced Disappearances (France);

120.31 Assess the possibility of lifting its reservations to the Convention

relating to the Status of Refugees (Germany);

120.32 Consider ratifying ILO Convention No. 189 (Philippines);

120.33 Address the fragmentation of anti-discrimination provisions in its

legislation by adopting a robust and comprehensive anti-discrimination law

(Czech Republic);

120.34 Adopt a law to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women

(Israel);

120.35 Improve the relevant legislation to further combat racial

discrimination and incitement to racial hatred in order to effectively protect the

rights of ethnic minorities (Iceland);

120.36 Enact legislation that defines the line between freedom of expression

and hate speech (Saudi Arabia);

120.37 Improve the relevant laws to further combat racial discrimination

and hate speech in order to protect effectively the rights of non-citizens residing

in Latvia and minority groups (China);

120.38 Amend national legislation in order to include hate crimes and

domestic violence and take effective measures to ensure equal access to

employment, social security, inclusion and equal opportunities for all people,

especially for members of minorities. These measures should also facilitate the

regularization of non-citizens, avoid discrimination arising from a lack of

knowledge of the official language and offer alternatives which foster inclusion

and cohesion in society, in particular in the education system (Ecuador);

120.39 Consider as a crime all acts of violence, regardless of the harm that

they cause, in addition to specifically punishing violence based on sexual

orientation or gender identity (Spain);

120.40 Amend legal prohibition on incitement to hatred to include

prohibitions on the basis of sexual orientation (United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern Ireland);

120.41 Consider legislative and administrative measures to combat violence

on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation (United States of America);

120.42 Adopt legislation that explicitly recognizes homophobic and

transphobic motivation for a criminal offence as an aggravating circumstance

in its criminal law (Finland);

120.43 Take legal and administrative measures to improve the treatment of

asylum seekers in order to establish safeguards against their arbitrary

detention (Costa Rica);

120.44 Adopt integrated legislation consistent with its international

obligations, that addresses the issue of discrimination and ensures the full

integration of vulnerable groups, in particular immigrants and persons

belonging to linguistic minorities in all spheres (Honduras);

120.45 Bring the nationality legislation into compliance with the provisions

of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the Convention

on the Rights of the Child (Kenya);

120.46 Develop and implement a National Action Plan for Human Rights to

further ensure a systematic and comprehensive approach to the promotion and

protection of human rights; the Government of Latvia is encouraged to engage

civil society in the process (Indonesia);

120.47 Adopt a National Action Plan to implement the Guiding Principles on

Business and Human Rights (Netherlands);

120.48 Establish specific initiatives and policies aimed at combating all

forms of xenophobia racism and hate aimed at foreigners, particularly Muslims

(Saudi Arabia);

120.49 Implement public awareness campaigns to promote tolerance and

respect for cultural diversity and to counter prejudice, stereotypes,

discrimination, racism, and Islamophobia (United Arab Emirates);

120.50 Ensure that diversity is actively pursued in school curricula through

awareness-raising activities in order to eliminate discrimination against

minorities, especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons

(Finland);

120.51 Verify the impact of the amendments of the educational law relating

to the mandate to “morally educate children in compliance with the values of

the constitution” on the realization of human rights, in particular women’s

rights, rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and

freedom of expression (Germany);

120.52 Consider the creation of a national system for the monitoring of the

follow-up to recommendations relating to human rights (Paraguay);

120.53 Continue to pay attention to all aspects of gender equality, in

particular to the recommendations of the working group established by the

Gender Equality Committee on the integration of gender equality aspects into

process and content of all educational levels until 2020 (Romania);

120.54 Work towards implementing resolution 16/18 of the Human Rights

Council concerning combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and

stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence

against, persons based on religion or belief (Bahrain);

120.55 Continue its efforts in countering racist discourse in politics and in

the media, fighting racially motivated crimes, and eliminating violence and

discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Thailand);

120.56 Strengthen measures to counter the use of racist discourse in politics

and in the media (United Arab Emirates);

120.57 Actively combat racially-motivated crimes and counteract racist

speech in politics and the mass media (Uzbekistan);

120.58 Enhance its efforts aimed at preventing and combating and bringing

to justice perpetrators of hate crimes, as well as acts of racism, xenophobia and

discrimination against vulnerable groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex individuals (Brazil);

120.59 Prohibit the holding of the annual gathering in March in the centre of

Riga in a memory of soldiers who fought in the Latvian legion of the Waffen SS

as well as condemn strictly any attempts to glorify the memory of those who

fought in the Waffen SS and collaborated with Nazis (Russian Federation);

120.60 Continue efforts to prevent racist speech, violence and discrimination

against vulnerable groups, including Roma, by fighting racially motivated

crimes and countering the use of racist discourse in politics and the media

(Republic of Korea);

120.61 Raise public awareness of hate speech against lesbian, gay, bisexual

and transgender persons and take steps to increase reporting of hate crimes

against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (Norway);

120.62 Adopt measures to promote equality of the rights of lesbian, gay,

bisexual and transgender persons and end discrimination against them regard

(France);

120.63 Introduce legislation that recognises the diversity of forms of

partnerships and that provides same sex couples with the same rights and social

security as couples of the opposite sex, as previously recommended

(Netherlands);

120.64 Deepen actions against discrimination and violence suffered by

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons; in particular, ensure

access to courts as well as the investigation and punishment of these acts; and

strengthen the assistance provided to victims (Argentina);

120.65 Prepare an appropriate normative framework for mental health

institutions and social care facilities, ensuring that it prohibits the non-

consensual use of coercive practices such as psychiatric medication or

electroconvulsive therapy (Spain);

120.66 Continue its efforts of adhering to international legal instruments in

the field of human rights, inter alia, to the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Romania);

120.67 Increase the number and capacity of shelters for women who are

victims of violence and ensure that victims receive adequate assistance,

including psychosocial counselling (Liechtenstein);

120.68 Ensure that all processing of personal data and all State surveillance

activities be in line with international human rights law and do not infringe on

citizen’s fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to privacy

(Liechtenstein);

120.69 Ensure that the operations of intelligence agencies are monitored by

an independent oversight mechanism to ensure transparency and

accountability (Liechtenstein);

120.70 Promote responsible freedom of expression and effectively use the

Cyber Security Strategy of Latvia 2014-2018 as a platform to combat hate

crimes in the virtual environment (Malaysia);

120.71 Put an end to cases of politically-motivated persecution of human

rights defenders who advocate for the rights of minorities or the closure or

suspension of mass media and restrictions on access to various sources of

information for the population (Russian Federation);

120.72 Promote better political representation of women in elected positions

(Costa Rica);

120.73 Meet the provision of technical facilities as laid down requirements of

the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Pakistan);

120.74 Promote greater societal integration of minorities within the

education system through intercultural, interethnic, and interreligious dialogue

(Malaysia);

120.75 Take all measures that guarantee the representation of minorities in

social and political areas (Saudi Arabia);

120.76 Ensure inclusive education, taking all the measures required to end

cases of segregation of children belonging to ethnic minorities in schools

(Uruguay);

120.77 Ensure full realisation of the rights of “non-citizen” residents and of

members belonging to linguistic minorities and contribute to their integration

in society (Russian Federation);

120.78 Remove disproportionate restrictions, such as those identified by the

Human Rights Committee, on non-citizens and provide for the possibility of

judicial review of all refusals of naturalisation (Ireland);

120.79 Introduce the automatic acquisition of citizenship together with birth

registration for children of foreign parents whose nationality cannot be passed

to them, and facilitate the possibility of judicial review for all naturalisation

applications which are denied (Spain);

120.80 Take further legal, political and practical measures to reduce the

phenomenon of non-citizens (Belarus);

120.81 Simplify the process of naturalisation of “non-citizens” living in the

country for decades (Russian Federation);

120.82 Further facilitate the acquisition of citizenship by individuals born in

the country who are children of non-citizens (Brazil);

120.83 Continue to take further steps to improve the environment for

naturalisation as well as ensure the protection of social and political rights of

non-citizens (Australia);

120.84 Further facilitate the granting of citizenship to children of non-citizen

parents who do not acquire any other nationality (Germany);

120.85 Ensure the full enjoyment of rights of non-citizen residents and

linguistic minorities and facilitate their integration into society (Bulgaria);

120.86 Guarantee the funding of institutions which promote tolerance and

the smooth integration of foreigners (Mexico);

120.87 Adopt clear measures to guarantee the rights of all refugees and

asylum seekers and protection, and not to classify them and arrest them as

illegal immigrants (Bahrain);

120.88 Ensure that all persons requesting asylum in Latvia enjoy all

procedural guarantees and that decisions on asylum, including those made

under accelerated procedures, can be appealed and suspended to avoid the risk

of refoulement (Djibouti);

120.89 Integrate the refugees into society as a matter of necessity through

combatting stereotypes that inflame hatred feelings towards them in the society

(Libya);

120.90 Facilitate the integration of refugees, including by combating

stereotypes, prejudice and hate speech (Egypt);

120.91 Facilitate the integration of refugees by combating stereotypes

(India);

120.92 Refrain from refouling or expelling persons to another state when

there are grounds to believe they will be subject to torture (Djibouti);

120.93 Develop an adequate identification mechanism for vulnerable persons

and grant free legal aid from the beginning of the asylum procedure (Slovenia);

120.94 Ensure that detained asylum seekers have access to public health

services on an equal footing with other detainees who have been arrested or

convicted (Portugal);

120.95 Guarantee that hate to foreigners and racial and religious extremism

are not obstacles in dealing with refugees and asylum seekers (Bahrain);

120.96 Provide “non-citizens” with equal access to employment, education,

health care, and social welfare, as well as take into account their interests in the

conclusion of international treaties and agreements (Russian Federation).

121. The recommendations below did not enjoy the support of Latvia and would

thus be noted:

121.1 Implement public policies which guarantee to members of linguistic

minorities the enjoyment of all their human rights, including the revision of the

Law on Languages and the repeal of those articles which might impair their

rights (Paraguay);

121.2 Review the law on state language, which discriminates against

linguistic minorities in access to the labour market and ensure that appeals

from those who do not master the Latvian language sufficiently are considered

by state bodies, through providing them an opportunity to use their mother

tongue before state bodies (Russian Federation);

121.3 Provide the opportunity to use personal names, place names, street

names and other geographical indications in minority languages, as well as

enabling the contact with the authorities in minority language on the territories

where a significant part of the population belongs to those minorities

(Hungary).

122. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Latvia was headed by H. E. Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs, State

Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia and composed of the

following members:

• Mr. Jānis Citskovskis – Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of the Interior of the

Republic of Latvia

• Ms. Dace Dalbiņa – Deputy Director, Latvian Language Agency

• Mr. Rolands Ezergailis – First Secretary, Permanent Mission of the Republic of

Latvia to the United Nations Office in Geneva

• H.E. Mr Jānis Kārkliņš – Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of

Latvia to the United Nations Office in Geneva

• Ms. Anita Kleinberga – Head of Social Integration and Civil Society Development

Division, Department of Social Integration, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of

Latvia

• Mr. Uldis Lielpēters –Deputy State Secretary for International Affairs, Integration

and Media Issues, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia

• Ms. Kristīne Līce – Representative of Latvia before International Human Rights

Organisations

• Ms. Laila Medina – Deputy State Secretary on Sectoral Policy, Ministry of Justice

of the Republic of Latvia

• Ms. Evija Papule - Deputy State Secretary, Head of Education Department, Ministry

of Education and Science

• Ms. Inese Rudzīte – Legal Advisor, Criminal Justice Department, Ministry of Justice

of the Republic of Latvia

• Mr. Gatis Švika – Deputy Head of the Central Administrative Department, Head of

Cooperation and Development Bureau, State Police of Latvia

• Ms. Ineta Tāre – Head of International Cooperation and EU Policy Department,

Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia

• Mr. Dimitrijs Trofimovs – Deputy State Secretary, Head of Sectoral Policy

Department, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia

• Ms. Alise Zālīte – Senior Desk Officer, Human Rights Division, International

Organizations and Human Rights Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the

Republic of Latvia