Documents
International human rights instruments that can be relied on in Latvia, with links to the official texts.
We do not host the texts ourselves: every link points to the official publication, so you always see the version currently in force.
United Nations
- 1948Universal Declaration of Human RightsThe founding text that nearly every later human rights instrument refers back to.
- 1954Convention relating to the Status of Stateless PersonsRelevant in Latvia in connection with the question of non-citizens.
- 1961Convention on the Reduction of StatelessnessSets out what states must do so that a person is not left without any citizenship.
- 1965International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial DiscriminationCovers discrimination on grounds of ethnic and national origin as well.
- 1966International Covenant on Civil and Political RightsFreedom of expression, assembly, fair trial, non-discrimination. Binding on Latvia.
- 1966International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural RightsWork, education, health, participation in cultural life.
- 1979Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against WomenEquality in work, education, family law and political life.
- 1989Convention on the Rights of the ChildIncluding the right to education and to one’s own language and culture.
Council of Europe
- 1950European Convention on Human RightsThe basis for applying to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
- 1992European Charter for Regional or Minority LanguagesLatvia has not ratified the Charter, but it remains a reference point in language policy debates.
- 1995Framework Convention for the Protection of National MinoritiesThe principal minority rights instrument in Europe. Latvia ratified it in 2005 with reservations.
- 1996European Social Charter (revised)Social and economic rights: work, housing, health, social protection.
OSCE
- 1996The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National MinoritiesHow education in minority languages should be arranged. Directly relevant to school reform disputes.
- 1998The Oslo Recommendations Regarding the Linguistic Rights of National MinoritiesUse of language in names, media, dealings with authorities and in business.
- 1999The Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public LifeOn representation in decision-making and in local government.
European Union
- 2000Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European UnionBinding whenever EU law is applied. In force in Latvia since 2009.
Other international organisations
- 1958ILO Convention No. 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation)Prohibition of discrimination at work, including on grounds of language and origin.
- 1960UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in EducationSets out when separate educational systems do not amount to discrimination.