Latvian first-graders to receive new children's rights and duties booklet this autumn

Starting September 1 this year, all first-graders in Latvia, together with their parents, guardians or foster parents, will receive a new resource called the Children's Rights and Duties Passport. The material was developed by the Centre for the Protection of Children's Rights (BAC) as part of a European Social Fund Plus project, and will reach nearly 20,000 children beginning first grade this autumn.

Purpose of the booklet

The resource is designed to help families discuss a child's rights and responsibilities in everyday life using simple, understandable language. Illustrations and relatable examples explain how rights and duties are connected. Children are encouraged to talk about their experiences at home, at school and online, as well as about relationships with others, safety, health, privacy, rest and seeking help when needed.

BAC representatives stress that children do not need to earn their rights, while understanding responsibilities teaches them to care for themselves and respect the rights of others. The centre's deputy director for development and international cooperation notes that starting school marks an important milestone when children become more independent and face new situations, making it essential that from the very first grade a child knows not only their duties but also that they have the right to safety, to be heard, and to ask for help.

Guidance for parents

Along with the booklet, families will receive methodological guidelines offering advice on how to talk with children about these topics, sample questions, and tips for connecting the material to a child's daily life, including discussions of safety and trusted adults. BAC recommends not rushing the process — spending about 5–10 minutes per session covering two to four pages, starting by looking at the illustrations together before reading the text. The key goal is to make the child feel safe enough to ask questions and express doubts.

The materials will also be available for free download on the website atbalstsberniem.lv. Both the booklet and the guidelines remind families of the free Children's Trust Line 116111, available around the clock, as well as the option to chat online at uzticibastalrunis.lv. In case of danger to a child's life, health or safety, the emergency number 112 should be called.