Latvia
Latvia is a stable democracy and a member of the European Union, typically enjoying high marks for civil liberties. However, as of early 2026, the country is grappling with significant internal debates over social values, the rights of its "non-citizen" population, and the ethical implications of its border security measures.
1. The Istanbul Convention Controversy
The most high-profile human rights issue in Latvia currently is a major political battle over the Istanbul Convention (the treaty on preventing violence against women).
Attempted Withdrawal: In October 2025, the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) shocked the international community by voting to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, just over a year after ratifying it. Proponents of the withdrawal argued the treaty imposed "foreign gender ideologies" that threatened traditional family values.+1
Presidential Intervention: On November 3, 2025, President Edgars Rinkēvičs exercised a "suspensive veto," blocking the withdrawal and sending it back to Parliament. He argued that such a move would damage Latvia’s international standing and create legal gaps in victim protection.+1
Election Flashpoint: The matter has been deferred to the next Parliament following the October 2026 elections, making women's rights and "traditional values" a central theme of the current political campaign.
2. Statelessness and "Non-Citizens"
Latvia still has a significant population of "non-citizens"—primarily ethnic Russians who moved to the country during the Soviet era and their descendants who have not undergone naturalization.
Diminished Rights: While not technically "stateless" under Latvian law (they hold special non-citizen passports), these individuals cannot vote in national or local elections, hold certain public office positions, or work in specific professions.
Immigration Law Amendments: In 2024 and 2025, the government enforced stricter residency requirements for Russian citizens living in Latvia, requiring many elderly residents to pass Latvian language tests to retain their residency permits. This led to several high-profile deportation orders in late 2025, which rights groups criticized as being potentially disproportionate.
3. Border Security and "Pushbacks"
The ongoing "hybrid war" at the border with Belarus continues to raise humanitarian concerns.
The Belarus Border Crisis: Since 2021, Belarus has been accused of "weaponizing" migration by funneling people toward the Latvian border. In response, Latvia has maintained a state of emergency in border regions.
ECHR Scrutiny: In February 2025, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) heard landmark cases regarding "pushbacks"—the practice of forcibly returning migrants to Belarus without allowing them to seek asylum.
Detention Conditions: Amnesty International and other observers have raised concerns about the arbitrary detention of migrants in forest areas and the lack of transparent investigations into reports of ill-treatment by border guards.
4. LGBTQ+ Rights and the Civil Union Law
While Latvia has seen legal progress, the LGBTQ+ community remains at the center of a cultural "tug-of-war."
Civil Union Law (2024): A major victory occurred on July 1, 2024, when a new law allowing same-sex couples to register civil unions officially took effect. Over 600 couples registered within the first year.+1
Limited Scope: The current law provides for some legal recognition but excludes adoption and inheritance rights.
Constitutional Ban on Marriage: Marriage remains constitutionally defined as a union between a man and a woman (Article 110). Efforts by activists to advance full marriage equality have faced stiff resistance from conservative factions in the Saeima throughout 2025.
5. Freedom of Expression and "Disinformation"
Due to its proximity to Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Latvia has implemented strict laws to combat foreign influence.
Media Restrictions: The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has banned dozens of Russian-language channels and websites. While the government justifies this as a matter of national security, some rights advocates warn of a "narrowing" of the information space for the Russian-speaking minority.
Criminalization of Denial: Latvian law criminalizes the glorification or denial of Soviet and Nazi crimes. In 2025, authorities increased monitoring of social media for "pro-Kremlin" sentiment, leading to several arrests that critics argue test the boundaries of free speech.
Recent Development
In January 2026, Latvia introduced new border entry procedures requiring third-country nationals to submit detailed personal data to a "State Threat Prevention" system 48 hours before arrival, a move intended to bolster security but criticized by privacy advocates.