Country Context

Latvian citizens constitute 1 847618 persons or 83% of the population; of these, ethnic Latvians constitute 71.5%. 14.3% of inhabitants are non-citizens^[1], of which ethnic Russians constitute the largest group at 65.75%.  This helps to explain why issues relating to non-citizens are often treated as mainly concerning Russians or Russian-speakers, and the rights of citizens and non-citizens, as well as linguistic issues are very sensitive.                                                                   

A study conducted in 2002 indicated that the percentage of ethnic Latvians in the public sector is disproportionate. The Roma population experiences discrimination in employment and accessing services, which was confirmed by a study conducted in 2003. Specialized Roma classes exist in some communities, perceived as a learning aid by some and as discriminatory by others. It should also be noted that the Roma population in Latvia is relatively small, comprising 8517 people according to the official data of the 2011 population census, although more according to the data of Roma associations, since it is possible that the ethnicity of the other, non-Roma parent was chosen for official purposes despite the self-identification of the person and irrespective of his or her perception by others.

There are no specific studies on the issues of age in employment. However, it is common knowledge that age is an issue in employment. The difficulties of disabled persons in finding employment are also common knowledge, although there are no sufficiently representative studies to confirm this either.

In 2007, a study on specific problems in the labour market of Latvia and its regions was carried out on discrimination monitoring in Latvia; it evaluated the openness of the Latvian labour market as regards ensuring equal attitude towards all social groups, including the so-called risk groups – people with special needs, pre-retirement age etc., and examined the existing social inequality and its expressions among various social groups in regions.

There is no documented evidence about the difficulties encountered by sexual minorities, but this is most probably due to the fact that many homosexuals are forced to conceal their sexual orientation as a result of the negative attitudes commonly found in Latvian society.  Sexual orientation to a significant extent continues being a taboo topic, and the repeated attempts to amend the Labour Law to add express reference to sexual orientation in the non-discrimination clause instead of simply “other circumstances” succeeded only in September 2006. Also the negative publicity to non-discrimination issues resulting from the holding of the Gay Pride in Riga in July 2005 has to be noted. The event triggered very strong sentiments and intolerant statements from high standing officials and resulted inter alia in the adoption of a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between a man and a woman; in 2006 a vociferous anti-Pride movement appeared and the Gay Pride parade was banned, the ban being initially upheld by the 1^st instance court (the appellate instance court in April 2007 held that the ban had been illegal).

In this context, it appears that it is necessary to take a more active stand to actually promote equal treatment, as the lack of case law cannot be taken as an indicator that no problems exist. Currently, the only consultations with NGOs taking place on a regular basis are those addressing issues of disability and gender. While the framework for dialogue with social partners also exists, the issue of discrimination has so far been addressed to a limited extent only and mostly concentrating on gender issues. Consequently, there is also very little public debate and what discussion there has been has so far concentrated almost exclusively on the issues of Russian-speakers and the related issues (including linguistic ones), as well as- after the events surrounding the Gay Pride parade – the sexual orientation issue. The creation of a Secretariat of the minister for special assignments for Integration of the Society (integrated into the Ministry of Children, Family and Integration Affairs as of 1 January 2009; with its liquidation some of its functions were taken over by the Ministry of Justice) has resulted in other grounds of discrimination also being addressed and some discussion of them being initiated.

The only group that is being specifically targeted to some extent is that of disabled people, where the law is attempting to provide some financial incentive to employers to employ them.  There is no provision on possible positive action anywhere in Latvian legislation.