Ombudsman: Protecting Latvian citizens is priority in migration policy

In an interview on TV3's program “900 sekundes”, Ombudsman Karina Palkova stated that when addressing migration issues, the primary focus should be on protecting the rights of Latvian residents. She stressed that in the current situation, migration and human rights matters must be evaluated through a security prism. “We must primarily do everything to protect our citizens’ human rights and fundamental rights. Possibly, after some time the situation will change and we will all speak differently, but currently we must protect our citizen,” Palkova said.

Asked when migration restrictions could become discrimination, Palkova replied that security is the priority at the moment. The Ombudsman’s office does not receive many submissions regarding migration issues and coexistence, so she does not see a problem in her environment. Last year, there were a few submissions concerning discrimination – third-country nationals in Latvia did not receive certain services. However, after investigation, it was concluded that there was no discrimination in these cases.