52nd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the on the human rights situation in Latvia
delivered by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations.
Check against delivery
11 May 2026
Thank you Mr. Vice-President,
Norway welcomes the Latvian delegation to Geneva and thank them for their very substantive engagement in this dialogue. We also welcome Latvia’s progress on rights for LGBT+ persons, but notes that hate crimes and discrimination still exist. We note, however, with great concern, the decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention.
Norway recommends that Latvia:
1.Remain a party to the Istanbul Convention and ensure its full and effective implementation to prevent and combat gender-based violence, including domestic violence.
2.Ensure full and equal recognition and protection of LGBT+ persons under national law, and strengthen measures to prevent and address hate crimes and discrimination against LGBT+ persons.
3.Ensure that measures to strengthen the role of the Latvian language in education are implemented in a proportionate manner and do not negatively affect equal access to education.
Thank you.