Grave Markers Installed for Unidentified Border Crossers Who Died in Latvia
An NGO has installed grave markers for 11 unidentified individuals who died after crossing the Latvia-Belarus border and were buried without identification.
Between October 2023 and April 2026, 11 people died in Latvia after crossing the border from Belarus and were buried as unidentified. They were interred by the municipalities where their remains were found, but no further maintenance of the graves was planned. The NGO "I Want to Help Refugees" (Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem) reached an agreement with local authorities to improve the burial sites so that relatives can visit and find solace.
In November 2024, the NGO installed the first two grave markers in Vecie Silene cemetery, Skrudaliena parish, Augšdaugava municipality. In June 2025, seven more markers were placed in Zaščirina cemetery, Ezernieki parish. This year, markers will be installed for two women buried on May 16 and 20, 2024. All markers are funded by donations to the NGO.
The NGO's mission is to provide practical, immediate, and voluntary assistance to asylum seekers, refugees, and beneficiaries of international protection, while promoting their integration in Latvia.
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