Human Rights Archives

U.S. Department of State allocates $1.86 million to Latvian NGOs and international organizations to assist Ukrainian refugees in Latvia

Riga, August 25, 2023 – The U.S. Department of State has allocated $1.86 million to six non-governmental organizations and three international organizations in Latvia for programs to assist Ukrainian refugees in Latvia, the U.S. Embassy in Riga announced. This represents the largest U.S. government contribution to support Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. The funding will support …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 25 August, 2023 | Topics: Europe & Eurasia, Human Rights, Press Releases, U.S. & Latvia

U.S. Embassy Raises Rainbow Flag on May 17 for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), the U.S. Embassy in Riga raised the rainbow Progress Pride flag today at a ceremony that included representatives from the Latvian government, diplomatic community, and civil society. “The United States stands with the LGBTQI+ community around the world and remains committed to equality for …

By Inga | 18 May, 2023 | Topics: Events, Human Rights, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs

U.S. Embassy Raises Rainbow Flag on May 17 for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Riga, May 17, 2021 – To mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), the U.S. Embassy in Riga is flying the rainbow flag today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs joined Chargé d’Affaires Ruta Elvikis for the small outdoor flag-raising ceremony, along with representatives from the Saeima, civil society, and the diplomatic …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 17 May, 2021 | Topics: Chargé D’Affaires, Events, Human Rights, Press Releases

Representative Steny Hoyer reflects on the U.S. Helsinki Commission’s historic visit to Latvia in February 1991

Thirty years ago I was honored to lead a Congressional delegation to Latvia and other Baltic states in a moment of uncertainty and peril for democracy and self-determination. In Riga I saw firsthand the yearning for freedom after decades of Soviet occupation and communist rule. I was proud to bring the well wishes of the …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 9 March, 2021 | Topics: Europe & Eurasia, Government Offices, History, Human Rights, Political Affairs, U.S. & Latvia

U.S. Embassy Nominates Brigita Dreiže as Trafficking in Persons Hero

Riga, September 5, 2019 – U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Latvia Paul Poletes hosted a lunch on September 5 in honor of Ms. Brigita Dreiže of the anti-trafficking working group in Liepāja. During the lunch, Chargé Poletes presented a certificate to Ms. Dreiže in honor of her nomination for the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 6 September, 2019 | Topics: Human Rights, News, Press Releases

Ambassador Pettit honors State Police’s Chief Inspector for his fight against human trafficking

Today, on October 25, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Bikoff Pettit presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Andris Bidzans, Chief Inspector of the Latvian State Police, in honor of his nomination for the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero Award. The ambassador hosted a lunch in honor of Latvians whose efforts have combatted Trafficking …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 26 October, 2018 | Topics: Former Ambassadors, Human Rights, Press Releases

World AIDS Day

Ambassador Nancy Bikoff Pettit Op-Ed Delfi.lv December 1, 2017 In June 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report describing cases of a rare lung infection in five young, previously healthy, gay men in Los Angeles. The report described other unusual infections in the men, indicating that their immune systems …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 4 December, 2017 | Topics: Ambassador, Human Rights, Policy, Speeches

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Releases 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report

Riga, June 28, 2017 – On June 27, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released the 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report. This year, Latvia was placed in Tier 2, which is the same ranking as last year. The 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report finds that the Government of Latvia is making significant efforts to comply …

By U.S. Embassy Latvia | 28 June, 2017 | Topics: Former U.S. Government Leaders, Human Rights, Official Reports, Press Releases

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