On 17 February, President Edgars Rinkēvičs visited the Ombudsperson’s Office to learn about its work.
“The principal tasks of the Ombudsperson are to promote the protection of individuals’ human rights and to uphold the principles of good governance in public administration. Fulfilling these tasks significantly contributes to safeguarding Latvia’s democracy. I commend the particular attention that Ombudsperson Karina Palkova has devoted, since her confirmation in office, to the protection of children’s rights and the reduction of violence, as well as the time she dedicates to meeting residents of Latvia in person.
At the Ombudsperson’s Office, I am pleased to see knowledgeable and motivated staff who address various concerns raised by residents with professionalism and empathy, while also building constructive cooperation with state institutions and non-governmental organisations,” said President Rinkēvičs after the meeting.
During the meeting, the President and Ombudsperson K. Palkova discussed the current priorities of the Office, as well as the need to acknowledge and condemn the systematic and abusive use of psychiatry for political purposes during the years of Soviet occupation.
