Human Rights in Latvia - 2024

The aim of the report Human Rights in Latvia in 2024 is to provide independent and objective information on the human rights situation in Latvia during 2024. Although the LCHR report does not claim to offer a fully comprehensive overview of the human rights landscape in Latvia, we seek to highlight progress, current challenges and key developments in the areas that fall within the Centre’s focus. The report primarily addresses civil and political rights.

The review covers areas such as general context and electoral rights, the right to a fair trial, human rights issues in prisons, anti‑discrimination, hate crimes and hate speech, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and belief, freedom of assembly and association, minority rights and integration, prevention of domestic violence, citizenship and residence rights, and the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. A wide range of sources were used in preparing the report, including research studies, reports, annual reviews of state institutions, policy documents, legislative drafting materials, court judgments, information provided by the media, national news agency LETA and information obtained through LCHR’s work (including institutional responses to LCHR information requests).

In 2024, the geopolitical situation continued to affect certain human rights issues in Latvia. In some areas, human rights restrictions were observed that were justified on national security grounds. The third year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine saw Ukrainian civilians continue to arrive in Latvia seeking refuge from the war. Since 24 February 2022, more than 69,000 Ukrainians have been issued temporary residence permits and long‑term D visas. As of 1 December 2024, more than 47,000 Ukrainian civilians with valid temporary protection status were residing in Latvia. On average, 450–500 Ukrainian civilians per month newly registered in Latvia in 2024 and were granted temporary protection status. Over the year, Latvia provided military assistance to Ukraine amounting to more than 0.25% of its GDP. Significant support was also provided to Ukrainian civilians, humanitarian aid, assistance to the Ukrainian government and reforms, as well as support for development and reconstruction.

The state of emergency declared in August 2021 due to increasing numbers of migrants at the Latvian–Belarusian border was replaced by an enhanced border protection regime. This regime was introduced for the period from 13 March 2024 to 12 September 2025[2] in certain parishes of Ludza, Krāslava and Augšdaugava municipalities, in the city of Daugavpils, and in Kaunata parish of Rēzekne municipality.

In 2024, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered several significant judgments in cases against Latvia. In D. v. Latvia, the Court found that state authorities had not taken sufficient action to eliminate the informal hierarchy among prisoners in places of detention. This was also the first case against Latvia in which the Court outlined specific measures that the judicial system must take to comply with the judgment. International human rights organisations and the Ombudsman had long pointed to the existence of this caste‑like system.

In Hanovs v. Latvia, the ECtHR found a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and awarded the victim of a homophobic attack EUR 10,000 in non‑pecuniary damages. Several skinheads were detained for attacks on migrants, and the State Security Service warned of the growing risks of right‑wing extremism in society.

At the beginning of the year, the Ombudsman’s Office established a new Anti‑Discrimination Department, and for the first time a separate budget—EUR 330,803 —was allocated specifically for promoting equality and preventing discrimination. On 1 July, the legal framework for partnerships, including same‑sex partnerships, entered into force.

On 1 May, the Istanbul Convention came into force. Amendments to the Criminal Law were adopted to strengthen penalties for cruelty and violence against family members. The LTV programme Kultūršoks brought to public attention cases of sexual harassment at the Jāzeps Vītols Academy of Music, prompting widespread public debate. In 2024, the number of women reporting domestic violence to the State Police increased, a trend also confirmed by the NGO MARTA Centre.

Several incidents related to freedom of expression sparked public debate, including a dispute between the Society Integration Foundation and Re:Baltica over the repayment of project funding, video performances by artist K. Brekte, and the content of a children’s sex education book. Legal proceedings continued regarding the revocation of the broadcasting licence of the Russian independent TV channel Dozhd (Дождь) in Latvia.

The State Security Service recommended prohibiting five public events, including a picket in solidarity with Palestinians. The police increased monitoring of gatherings on 9 May. The Supreme Court Senate upheld the prohibition of two protest actions related to the dismantling of Soviet monuments.

The death of a four‑year‑old unvaccinated boy from diphtheria triggered extensive debate on freedom of belief in the context of mandatory vaccination. Several Catholic priests were sentenced to imprisonment for sexual violence against children. In 2024, no progress was made regarding the request submitted by the Council of the Latvian Orthodox Church to the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, seeking independent status for the Church.

The Constitutional Court ruled that the transition to education solely in the state language—both in public and private educational institutions—approved in 2022 was compatible with the Constitution. Discussions continued regarding the permissibility of producing public media content in minority languages.

The number of naturalised persons since the Citizenship Law entered into force in 1995 reached 150,000 in 2024. Amendments to the Immigration Law expanded the group of Russian Federation citizens (former Latvian citizens and non‑citizens) required to demonstrate Latvian language proficiency at A2 level to obtain a permanent residence permit. The Constitutional Court ruled in  that these amendments adopted in 2022 were compatible with the Constitution.

Under the enhanced border protection regime, access to the Latvian territory for asylum seekers remained restricted. The organisation “I Want to Help Refugees” also reported that nine people had died after crossing the Latvian – Belarusian border and had been buried in Latvia as unidentified persons.

The Latvian Centre for Human Rights hopes that this report will contribute to broader public awareness and understanding of various human rights issues, enable an assessment of progress and setbacks across different areas of human rights, and serve as an informative resource for educational institutions, state and municipal authorities, NGOs, the media and the wider public. LCHR also hopes that it will encourage other NGOs to prepare similar reviews in their respective fields.

Published: 2025-12-23