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Description
The project "Human Rights for All" aims to enhance the rights of the beneficiaries of international protection and raise the overall awareness of human rights in the Latvian society. The project consists of four interrelated activities. Two of them - a cultural festival and a buddy support programme - will promote intercultural dialogue, minority engagement, and awareness of human rights, especially the rights of asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection. Two other activities will focus on support to victims of human rights violations and discrimination, as well as on wider advocacy for asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection in the Latvian society.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several challenges related to newcomers to Latvia:
Newcomers to Latvia:
The organization highlights several human rights issues that require reforms to enhance the lives of newcomers in Latvia:
- Equality before the Law: Ensuring non-discrimination as defined by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Prohibition of Torture: Strengthening mechanisms to prevent inhumane treatment.
- Right to Effective Legal Protection: Facilitating fair access to justice.
- Right to Asylum and Citizenship: Improving procedures and access for newcomers.
The organization also emphasizes the need for improvements in areas vital to all citizens:
- Freedom of Conscience and Religious Belief
- Adequate Standard of Living: Including access to food, clothing, housing, healthcare, and social services.
- Right to Education: Ensuring equal access and inclusivity in educational systems.
- Prohibition of Discrimination: Enforcing anti-discrimination provisions under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Challenges
- Intolerance and Discrimination: Persistent societal issues in Latvia, particularly affecting newcomers, who frequently experience human rights violations, including prejudice and discriminatory behavior.
1.Cultural festival
A cultural festival provided a platform for dialogue and understanding between people of diverse origins in Latvia. Themes like “us-them” and “self-other” were explored, focusing on their evolution in Latvia’s increasingly multicultural society. The festival targeted both long-established minorities and recently arrived groups, such as naturalized citizens, foreign residents, and refugees.
2. "Buddy" Support Program
The program paired newcomers with local "buddies" who helped with daily tasks, language learning, cultural adaptation, and building connections. This initiative significantly supported integration into Latvian society. Additionally, an educational seminar on human rights engaged 30 participants, who received certificates of completion.
3. Advocacy for Asylum Seekers and Refugees
Efforts included advocacy for the rights of asylum seekers and international protection recipients in Latvia. Activities involved:
- Communication with state institutions handling reception and integration.
- Participation in government and parliamentary meetings to provide recommendations.
- Written opinions on legislative initiatives.
- Public commentary on refugee-related issues in the media.
4. Support for Discrimination and Human Rights Abuse Victims
Legal and psychological support was offered to asylum seekers and protection recipients who experienced discrimination or rights violations in Latvia.
Summary: These activities fostered cultural understanding, supported integration, advocated for asylum seekers’ rights, and provided crucial aid to human rights abuse victims.
The project resulted in:
-influencing 5 laws and policy initiatives
-providing legal and psychological support to 54 individuals
-training 65 volunteers, and raising public awareness about human rights.
Summary: The project significantly advanced the protection of asylum rights and understanding of human rights in Latvia by offering direct support to those affected and promoting sustainable changes in legislation and public attitudes.
The project allowed providing legal support to asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection (people who have already received refugee or alternative status) who have suffered human rights violations while trying to cross the Latvian-Belarusian border with the aim of seeking asylum in the European Union. The association also recorded and compiled the testimonies of these people, which were used in further advocacy campaigns. The association''s active involvement in both legislative initiatives and public discussions on asylum rights, especially in relation to the situation at the Latvian-Belarussian border, allowed ensuring the presence of additional information and different views in the public space, thus also increasing the awareness of local residents about human rights. Public awareness of human rights was promoted, also by training volunteers throughout the project and by holding a public educational seminar on human rights.