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19 March 1998
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54th session of the Commission on Human Rights
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by Dr. Valdis Birkavs
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
Geneva, 19 March 1998
Mr. Chairman, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year the international community commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the fifth anniversary of the Vienna Conference and Programme of Action. We cannot overestimate the impact of these two documents. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights became the foundation for further legislation in the sphere of human rights. It was a source of legal inspiration for Latvian legislative action as well. For us, this year, 1998, has particular significance. Ten years ago this month on March 25th, a massive gathering took place in Riga paying tribute to the victims of communism. On that date, half a century ago, tens of thousands of Latvian civilians from the elderly and disabled to tiny infants were classified as public enemies and deported to Siberia by the Soviet regime.
Mr. Chairman,
I can recall that night as if it was yesterday. I sat with my family on hastily packed suitcases waiting to be taken away. The next morning we learned that our neighbours were deported.
This unprecedented gathering just ten years ago was testimony that the memory of innocent victims was still vivid. Vivid also was the memory of an independent Latvia. 1988 was the beginning of a grass roots movement which led, within a few years, to an independent Latvia. Our independence was re-established without bloodshed and without violence allowing us to build a democratic state where the protection and promotion of human rights is one of the basic principles.
In the fifty years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights the world has changed drastically. Half a century ago only a handful of states were concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights. In today's world, human rights are universally recognised.
For fifty years in occupied Latvia it was not possible to speak publicly about human rights. Imprisonment or deportation to Siberia were the consequences reserved for anyone who did not seem loyal to the Soviet regime. But even in these harsh and bleak days the spirit of freedom was found in the Latvian people. There were human rights defenders who were not afraid of prison and deportation and who raised their voice to express their opinions. I would like to quote Latvian human rights defender, Gunars Astra (who was our Nelson Mandela), who said in his statement to the court during his trial, (and I quote) - "I believe that these times will disappear as an evil nightmare. This belief gives me strength to stand here and to breathe. Our people have suffered beyond belief and therefore have the experience and we will survive this dark stage as well" (unquote). This was said quite recently, in 1983. Gunars Astra spend a total of 20 years in prison for his human rights views. His name along with those from the human rights group "Helsinki 86" and many others have become part of our history. The spirit of these freedom fighters proves that there is no power on earth that can strangle the desire for freedom, the aspiration of people to live in a democratic country based on the rule of law. Latvia understands the value of human rights. This understanding is solidly based on our history.
Latvia sees human rights as an essential part of its modern culture based on democratic traditions and rooted in universally recognised values. It was for this reason that in a early stage of our restored democracy a National Program for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights was adopted and a National Human Rights Office, the cornerstone of this program, was established in 1995. This National Program was developed in close co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Development Programme and according to the guidelines set by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
I would like to thank all donors - UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the bilateral donors to the Latvian project – the Governments of the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland for their contributions.
Co-operation between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Development Program and bilateral donors in our view represents an excellent example of the way in which the international community should co-ordinate their efforts.
Latvia strongly supports the latest initiatives of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to mainstream the work on national institutions. I have the personal pleasure to inform you that Latvia has now become a donor country with a contribution to the Voluntary Fund for Technical Co- operation. We believe that the idea of developing a network of independent national institutions across the world would be beneficial for the effective protection of human rights at the ground level. Therefore, I would like to inform about our intention to contribute to the VFTC on a regular basis.
I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise the effective work of the United Nations Development Programme in Latvia. Since 1992, in close co-operation with the Latvian government, UNDP has given valuable contributions in the development and strengthening of democracy. This includes the assistance in reforming the economy, the legal system and social reforms. Nearly 3,000 NGO's are active in Latvia. Revitalisation of our NGO`s is partly due to the activities of UNDP in this field. I would like to mention in particular the Institute of
Human Rights established under the auspices of the University of Latvia and an Independent Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies. They carry out research, publish human rights literature, organise conferences on various aspects of human rights. Education of our society in human rights, so that each individual understands his rights and is able to defend them, is our goal.
Particular attention must be devoted to the most vulnerable part of any society: children, elderly, disabled, prisoners. Special attention should be paid to gender equity, minority and refugees related issues.
Last August Latvia hosted a major conference "Women and Men in Dialogue". The fifteen hundred participants from the Baltic and Nordic countries discussed gender issues for several days. The conference was sponsored by the Governments of the Baltic States, the Nordic Council, the international community, non-governmental organisations and private sponsors. The conference was the largest event of its kind in the Baltic States and an important stimulus for the discussion of gender equity in mass media and society as a whole.
Historically the Republic of Latvia gives its utmost attention to national minorities and considers national minorities as an integral part of Latvian society. There has been no occurrence of racial or ethnic violence since the re-establishment of independence. Latvia finances secondary education in eight minority languages and supports more than 20 cultural societies of national minorities. There are various newspapers and magazines published in minority languages. Under the auspices of the State President the Consultative Council of
Nationalities was founded. The Council includes representatives from 11 national minorities as well as members of the Saeima (Parliament) Standing Committee on Human Rights.
The Government has established the highest level working group comprised of seven ministers with the aim to work out the strategy of integration. This program shall be ready by June 30 this year.
Yesterday the results of a first part of a wide sociological survey were presented in Riga. Various opinions of different national groups were incorporated. The results of this survey will enable us to better understand the ongoing processes in Latvian society. This survey was made possible by the participation of UNDP. The result will be an important source of information for further elaboration of a nation wide integration program.
A detailed analysis is still to be concluded but with the overview of the available results I can say that the irreversibility of Latvian independence is not yet a reality for many former soviet citizens and their families currently residing in Latvia. It is extremely difficult to solve the integration problem if during the last 50 years a large number of these persons have not learn the Latvian language.
The survey indicates that difficulties in a transitional economy are equally shared by all social groups, not withstanding their ethnic origin. The political situation in the country is stable.
Two days ago my country was seriously accused in practising a "double standard approach towards the protection of human rights"
Mister Chairman,
This is not true!
Latvia has never had a practice of applying double standards in human rights. Our laws provide equal protection of human rights for all our residents. It has not been possible to deprive Latvian nationality to those who have never possessed it. Furthermore, the acquisition of Latvian nationality has never been conditional upon a person's ethnic origin.
Regarding the statement on students not being able to receive education in their mother tongue – perhaps one should ask the thousands of schoolchildren attending classes in their native Russian, Polish, Hebrew, Estonian, Ukrainian and other languages. These schools are state funded.
There is a wide spread anti Latvian campaign which has become a threat to Latvian diplomatic representatives in Russia. Our personnel have been threatened with physical violence. Latvia has received threats of economic sanctions because as they say Latvia is "not loyal enough to Russian interests". This is an unacceptable way to treat a country. I will emphasise that it would cause hardship to our entire population. Whatever the reasons were for the distortion of facts and deliberate falsehoods directed against Latvia, I do not believe that it serves the interests of Russia. I am convinced they do not serve to improve bilateral relations.
One needs an extremely fertile imagination to present a lawful action of policeman to preserve public order as a violation of human rights. If every traffic ticket issued to a member of a minority group throughout the world became a subject of debate at the highest levels true crimes and violations of human rights would lose the attention they deserve.
I was, I am and I always will be ready to discuss every human rights aspect with the Russian Federation.
I would like to quote from this morning's statement by the esteemed Mary Robinson: "In this spirit, I would hope that all those referred to during the work of the Commission will accept comments in a constructive way. I would hope that States that comment on others accept that no State is without human rights problems and, bearing that in mind, avoid unnecessarily antagonistic statements and resolutions".
Mr. Chairman,
It is a duty of each state to protect and promote the human rights of each individual - all human rights for all. Latvia as a member of an international society has a vital interest in ensuring the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms at home and abroad. Therefore it is unacceptable to use human rights as a smoke screen beneath which other interests are hidden.
Latvia is an open society. Our policies are transparent and predictable. For a country the size of Latvia the only way to develop is close co-operation with other countries. We do not hide the problems we inherited from the foreign regime and we are thankful to all those countries and organisations that work closely with us to solve these issues in the spirit of mutual respect and dignity. The experts provided by several countries and organisations gave us valuable assistance to elaborate our law on citizenship. We are receiving the support to study problems related with the naturalisation issue. The progress we have made in the development of the economy and the democratic system have been noticed and recognised.
Latvia is and will continue to be active in many international organisations. We are willing to give our contribution on various issues when it serves the progress of mankind, peace and development of the human spirit.
16 March - 24 April 1998
Statement by Dr. Valdis Birkavs
Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia
Geneva, 19 March 1998
Mr. Chairman, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year the international community commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the fifth anniversary of the Vienna Conference and Programme of Action. We cannot overestimate the impact of these two documents. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights became the foundation for further legislation in the sphere of human rights. It was a source of legal inspiration for Latvian legislative action as well. For us, this year, 1998, has particular significance. Ten years ago this month on March 25th, a massive gathering took place in Riga paying tribute to the victims of communism. On that date, half a century ago, tens of thousands of Latvian civilians from the elderly and disabled to tiny infants were classified as public enemies and deported to Siberia by the Soviet regime.
Mr. Chairman,
I can recall that night as if it was yesterday. I sat with my family on hastily packed suitcases waiting to be taken away. The next morning we learned that our neighbours were deported.
This unprecedented gathering just ten years ago was testimony that the memory of innocent victims was still vivid. Vivid also was the memory of an independent Latvia. 1988 was the beginning of a grass roots movement which led, within a few years, to an independent Latvia. Our independence was re-established without bloodshed and without violence allowing us to build a democratic state where the protection and promotion of human rights is one of the basic principles.
In the fifty years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights the world has changed drastically. Half a century ago only a handful of states were concerned with the promotion and protection of human rights. In today's world, human rights are universally recognised.
For fifty years in occupied Latvia it was not possible to speak publicly about human rights. Imprisonment or deportation to Siberia were the consequences reserved for anyone who did not seem loyal to the Soviet regime. But even in these harsh and bleak days the spirit of freedom was found in the Latvian people. There were human rights defenders who were not afraid of prison and deportation and who raised their voice to express their opinions. I would like to quote Latvian human rights defender, Gunars Astra (who was our Nelson Mandela), who said in his statement to the court during his trial, (and I quote) - "I believe that these times will disappear as an evil nightmare. This belief gives me strength to stand here and to breathe. Our people have suffered beyond belief and therefore have the experience and we will survive this dark stage as well" (unquote). This was said quite recently, in 1983. Gunars Astra spend a total of 20 years in prison for his human rights views. His name along with those from the human rights group "Helsinki 86" and many others have become part of our history. The spirit of these freedom fighters proves that there is no power on earth that can strangle the desire for freedom, the aspiration of people to live in a democratic country based on the rule of law. Latvia understands the value of human rights. This understanding is solidly based on our history.
Latvia sees human rights as an essential part of its modern culture based on democratic traditions and rooted in universally recognised values. It was for this reason that in a early stage of our restored democracy a National Program for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights was adopted and a National Human Rights Office, the cornerstone of this program, was established in 1995. This National Program was developed in close co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations Development Programme and according to the guidelines set by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
I would like to thank all donors - UNDP, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the bilateral donors to the Latvian project – the Governments of the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland for their contributions.
Co-operation between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations Development Program and bilateral donors in our view represents an excellent example of the way in which the international community should co-ordinate their efforts.
Latvia strongly supports the latest initiatives of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to mainstream the work on national institutions. I have the personal pleasure to inform you that Latvia has now become a donor country with a contribution to the Voluntary Fund for Technical Co- operation. We believe that the idea of developing a network of independent national institutions across the world would be beneficial for the effective protection of human rights at the ground level. Therefore, I would like to inform about our intention to contribute to the VFTC on a regular basis.
I would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise the effective work of the United Nations Development Programme in Latvia. Since 1992, in close co-operation with the Latvian government, UNDP has given valuable contributions in the development and strengthening of democracy. This includes the assistance in reforming the economy, the legal system and social reforms. Nearly 3,000 NGO's are active in Latvia. Revitalisation of our NGO`s is partly due to the activities of UNDP in this field. I would like to mention in particular the Institute of
Human Rights established under the auspices of the University of Latvia and an Independent Centre of Human Rights and Ethnic Studies. They carry out research, publish human rights literature, organise conferences on various aspects of human rights. Education of our society in human rights, so that each individual understands his rights and is able to defend them, is our goal.
Particular attention must be devoted to the most vulnerable part of any society: children, elderly, disabled, prisoners. Special attention should be paid to gender equity, minority and refugees related issues.
Last August Latvia hosted a major conference "Women and Men in Dialogue". The fifteen hundred participants from the Baltic and Nordic countries discussed gender issues for several days. The conference was sponsored by the Governments of the Baltic States, the Nordic Council, the international community, non-governmental organisations and private sponsors. The conference was the largest event of its kind in the Baltic States and an important stimulus for the discussion of gender equity in mass media and society as a whole.
Historically the Republic of Latvia gives its utmost attention to national minorities and considers national minorities as an integral part of Latvian society. There has been no occurrence of racial or ethnic violence since the re-establishment of independence. Latvia finances secondary education in eight minority languages and supports more than 20 cultural societies of national minorities. There are various newspapers and magazines published in minority languages. Under the auspices of the State President the Consultative Council of
Nationalities was founded. The Council includes representatives from 11 national minorities as well as members of the Saeima (Parliament) Standing Committee on Human Rights.
The Government has established the highest level working group comprised of seven ministers with the aim to work out the strategy of integration. This program shall be ready by June 30 this year.
Yesterday the results of a first part of a wide sociological survey were presented in Riga. Various opinions of different national groups were incorporated. The results of this survey will enable us to better understand the ongoing processes in Latvian society. This survey was made possible by the participation of UNDP. The result will be an important source of information for further elaboration of a nation wide integration program.
A detailed analysis is still to be concluded but with the overview of the available results I can say that the irreversibility of Latvian independence is not yet a reality for many former soviet citizens and their families currently residing in Latvia. It is extremely difficult to solve the integration problem if during the last 50 years a large number of these persons have not learn the Latvian language.
The survey indicates that difficulties in a transitional economy are equally shared by all social groups, not withstanding their ethnic origin. The political situation in the country is stable.
Two days ago my country was seriously accused in practising a "double standard approach towards the protection of human rights"
Mister Chairman,
This is not true!
Latvia has never had a practice of applying double standards in human rights. Our laws provide equal protection of human rights for all our residents. It has not been possible to deprive Latvian nationality to those who have never possessed it. Furthermore, the acquisition of Latvian nationality has never been conditional upon a person's ethnic origin.
Regarding the statement on students not being able to receive education in their mother tongue – perhaps one should ask the thousands of schoolchildren attending classes in their native Russian, Polish, Hebrew, Estonian, Ukrainian and other languages. These schools are state funded.
There is a wide spread anti Latvian campaign which has become a threat to Latvian diplomatic representatives in Russia. Our personnel have been threatened with physical violence. Latvia has received threats of economic sanctions because as they say Latvia is "not loyal enough to Russian interests". This is an unacceptable way to treat a country. I will emphasise that it would cause hardship to our entire population. Whatever the reasons were for the distortion of facts and deliberate falsehoods directed against Latvia, I do not believe that it serves the interests of Russia. I am convinced they do not serve to improve bilateral relations.
One needs an extremely fertile imagination to present a lawful action of policeman to preserve public order as a violation of human rights. If every traffic ticket issued to a member of a minority group throughout the world became a subject of debate at the highest levels true crimes and violations of human rights would lose the attention they deserve.
I was, I am and I always will be ready to discuss every human rights aspect with the Russian Federation.
I would like to quote from this morning's statement by the esteemed Mary Robinson: "In this spirit, I would hope that all those referred to during the work of the Commission will accept comments in a constructive way. I would hope that States that comment on others accept that no State is without human rights problems and, bearing that in mind, avoid unnecessarily antagonistic statements and resolutions".
Mr. Chairman,
It is a duty of each state to protect and promote the human rights of each individual - all human rights for all. Latvia as a member of an international society has a vital interest in ensuring the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms at home and abroad. Therefore it is unacceptable to use human rights as a smoke screen beneath which other interests are hidden.
Latvia is an open society. Our policies are transparent and predictable. For a country the size of Latvia the only way to develop is close co-operation with other countries. We do not hide the problems we inherited from the foreign regime and we are thankful to all those countries and organisations that work closely with us to solve these issues in the spirit of mutual respect and dignity. The experts provided by several countries and organisations gave us valuable assistance to elaborate our law on citizenship. We are receiving the support to study problems related with the naturalisation issue. The progress we have made in the development of the economy and the democratic system have been noticed and recognised.
Latvia is and will continue to be active in many international organisations. We are willing to give our contribution on various issues when it serves the progress of mankind, peace and development of the human spirit.