Latvia

Latvia published their first NAP in 2020 for the period 2020-2025. Latvia is currently ranked 18th in the European Gender Equality Index and views gender equality as a 'horizontal principle' that must be integrated into all national services. The NAP was created in partnership with Canada for funding and guidance. It was primarily drafted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Ministries of Interior, Education and Science, Welfare and Health.

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Objectives/Aims of the 2020-2025 National Action Plan:

The aim of the National Action Plan is to promote a general understanding of the principles of UNSC Resolution 1325 in public administration and Latvian society.

The three main tasks envisaged are:

1)     raising public awareness of gender equality issues and the elimination of gender-based violence, especially in the younger generation;

2)     training for the Defence and Internal Affairs sector, including the establishment of a gender adviser’s position;

3)     transfer of Latvia’s experience and knowledge.

The plan sets out detailed plans of action under each task, including deadlines for implementation.

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Commentary:

The main aim of the NAP focuses on the "Promotion of gender equality at the national and international level, paying special attention to the promotion of women's participation in leading positions (decision-making) in the Armed Forces, public institutions, politics, as well as the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence." In particular, Latvia's NAP aims to produce a coordinated effort to enforcing peace and security both domestically and internationally whilst promoting gender equality. Latvia expresses the desire to develop deeper relationships with other member-states, particularly within the Nordic region, to assist with Latvia's education and implementation of gender equality issues.

Latvia's pre-existing work on gender equality includes, The Action Plan for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence from 2018-2019, advocating for gender equality to be part of the Sustainable Development 2030 goals and the application for Latvia as a candidate to the UN Commission on the Status of Women 2021-2025.

The WPS NAP is complimentary to Latvia's Concept for the Implementation of Gender Equality which aims to identify priority issues of gender equality in Latvia and provide a coordinated response nationally.

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Civil Society Involvement in the Development of the NAP:

Latvia emphasises the role of Latvian non-governmental organisations in the implementation of the NAP and highlights their existing contribution to the field of gender equality nationally and internationally. They also outline the importance of specific NGOS for educating younger generations on issues of gender equality and gender-based violence. The working group responsible for the drafting of the NAP consulted with NGOs, civil society and academia.

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UN Peacekeeping Statistics:

As of November 2023, Latvia is contributing 4 personnel to Peacekeeping missions – 1 Expert on Mission, and 3 Troops. 1 of the 3 Troops is a woman.  

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Women in Peacekeeping:

Latvia’s NAP highlights that their armed forces is one of those leading the way in NATO in terms of women’s representation. 15.3% of their Armed Forces Personnel are women and the plan states that women have never been restricted in the positions they can take.

The NAP aims to ensure the appointment of a gender advisor to develop guidelines and proposals for the management of the defence agencies and institutions regarding gender mainstreaming in military operations and missions, crisis and conflict situations, and educate on gender equality and gender-based violence in the Internal Affairs and Defence structures.

There is no explicit mention of efforts to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping.

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References and Sources:

Latvia National Action Plan: National Action Plan on the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Latvia for the period of 2020-2025 (mfa.gov.lv)

Uniformed Personnel Contributing Countries by Ranking (as of 30/11/2023): 02-Contributions by Country (Ranking)

Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country and Personnel Type (as of 30/11/2023): 05-Missions Detailed By Country