Analytics, Latvia, Legislation, Society

At the event, organised by the international human rights organisations – Amnesty International and the International Service for Human Rights – as well as by Tunisia and Uruguay, the countries which are candidates for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from 2015 to 2017, had the opportunity to inform the audience about their priorities in the field of human rights.

The event brought together seven out of the 17 countries which are candidates for the election taking place this year: Albania, Bolivia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Latvia, the Netherlands and Portugal.

The candidate countries were invited to provide information about human rights challenges faced by their country, and the role of the UNHRC and its means for solving such problems.

Freimane-Deksne informed the participants about Latvia’s efforts at preventing and combating trafficking in human beings. It is a global problem, and new forms of that crime are emerging today.

She also reported about what has been accomplished in strengthening the provisions of Latvian legislation and the need to raise awareness in society and especially with potential target groups, including about the risks of recruitment via internet. In view of the transnational character of the problem, Latvia pointed to the importance of international and regional cooperation and to effective implementation of existing legal instruments.

On behalf of Latvia, Inese Freimane-Deksne expressed the commitment of the country to contribute to the UNHRC efforts of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms across the globe.

Latvia’s Deputy Permanent Representative confirmed that, if elected, Latvia will continue the lines of work already in progress while consolidating efforts to address its priorities on the UNHRC agenda.

Latvia emphasised in particular the respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms – including on the internet – and gender equality.  

Latvia maintains that civil society must be engaged in decision-making at the national level and also in the work of the UNHRC.

The election of fifteen UNHRC member states for the period of 2015-2017 will take place in November 2014. Information on Latvia’s voluntary pledges and commitments pertinent to its candidacy to the UNHRC can be found here.