A/HRC/48/15
Introduction
1.
The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with
Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirty-eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2021.
The review of Latvia was held at the 13th meeting, on 11 May 2021. The delegation of Latvia
was headed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Andris Pelšs. At its
17th meeting, held on 14 May 2021, the Working Group adopted the report on Latvia.
2.
On 12 January 2021, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of
rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Latvia: Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Italy
and Japan.
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);1
(b)
A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b); 2
(c)
A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c). 3
4.
A list of questions prepared in advance by Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany,
Panama, Portugal, on behalf of the Group of Friends on national mechanisms for
implementation, reporting and follow-up, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Spain and the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Latvia through the
troika. These questions are available on the website of the universal periodic review.
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A.
Presentation by the State under review
5.
Latvia reiterated its strong support for the universal periodic review, a mechanism that
allowed countries to assess their compliance with human rights obligations while
encouraging dialogue with civil society. Its third national report had been prepared by an
inter-institutional working group, taking into account the comments of non-governmental
organizations.
6.
At the international level, Latvia would continue to consider the ratification of
pending instruments. It cooperated with the special procedure mandate holders of the Human
Rights Council and encouraged other States to issue a standing invitation to them. As a
member of the Commission on the Status of Women for the forthcoming five years, it was
committed to advancing women’s rights internationally and was willing to transfer
knowledge based on its experience of preparing its National Action Plan on the
Implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women and peace and security
for the period 2020–2025.
7.
At the national level, Latvia was equipped with a Constitutional Court and an
Ombudsman’s Office that played important roles in ensuring the promotion and protection
of human rights. As such, they had contributed to several achievements and good practices
included in the national report.
8.
Latvia had made several achievements in gender equality in the areas of employment
and business, notably, women had been or were represented in all three highest ranking posts
of the State. Nevertheless, despite the progress made, the gender pay gap remained an
important challenge. Latvia was committed to addressing the gender stereotypes and
1
2
3
2
A/HRC/WG.6/38/LVA/1.
A/HRC/WG.6/38/LVA/2.
A/HRC/WG.6/38/LVA/3.