On August 5, 2024, the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (hereafter referred to as the OCMA) launched an informational communication campaign titled "Humanity. Responsiveness. Responsibility." The campaign aims to enhance public understanding of the asylum process in Latvia and to educate asylum seekers about their rights and obligations during the asylum procedure in Latvia.
Due to various military conflicts, hybrid warfare waged by neighboring countries, and human rights violations, the number of asylum seekers in Latvia has rapidly increased: in 2021, 582 asylum seekers arrived in Latvia, while in 2023, this number nearly tripled, reaching 1624. In response to the burden this situation has placed on the asylum system in Latvia, a new asylum seekers' accommodation center was opened in Liepna, Alūksne Municipality, in 2023 with the support of European Union funds.
"Immigration is one of the most debated topics in society, especially in relation to events on the state border. Less is heard about the asylum procedure within Latvia. Granting asylum is a carefully managed process in which the OCMA, within the framework of its functions, balances humanity and responsiveness to asylum seekers with responsibility towards the state's interests and the security of its citizens. It is about mutual cooperation - responsiveness and responsibility are also expected from asylum seekers, who must comply with the requirements set forth in the Asylum Law and, while staying in one of the OCMA's asylum seekers' accommodation centers, also adhere to its internal regulations," explains Maira Roze, the head of the OCMA.
The campaign "Humanity. Responsiveness. Responsibility" has created informative infographics and animations on various aspects of the asylum application process to provide insight into the daily lives of asylum seekers. As part of the campaign, solidarity and educational events will also be held at the asylum seekers' accommodation centers in Mucenieki and Liepna, where residents of the centers can participate in joint sports activities and a bread-baking workshop together with local residents.
"Asylum seekers' applications are examined carefully, objectively, and fairly, delving into each individual case and using accurate and up-to-date information from various sources, such as the European Union Asylum Agency and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as international human rights organizations. The general situation in the asylum seeker's country of origin and, if necessary, in the countries through which they have passed is taken into account. The legislation of the country of origin and its application are also taken into account, as a result of which only a portion of asylum seekers are granted a protection status. Despite the large number of asylum seekers, for example, in 2023, out of 1624 asylum seekers, 88 persons received refugee status, and 40 persons received alternative status," adds Maira Roze, the head of the OCMA.
All campaign materials and more information about the campaign's goals and significance can be found on the website: https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/patveruma-meklesana.
The campaign "Humanity. Responsiveness. Responsibility" was created and funded within the framework of project No. PMLP/PMIF/2023/2 "Support measures for the reception and accommodation in Latvia (1st stage)" of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund program for 2021-2027.
In summary, this campaign aims to increase public awareness of the asylum process in Latvia, provide information to asylum seekers, and foster community integration.
