Soros Foundation–Latvia

The priorities of the Soros Foundation–Latvia include strengthening democratic institutions, advocating for the rights of minorities and other vulnerable populations, and increasing social inclusion and civic participation.

The foundation has been a key advocate for reforming Latvia’s mental health system, supporting a number of strategic litigation cases that have resulted in increased human rights protections of people with mental disabilities as well as broader initiatives that provide them with education and job training. It has also led the way in replacing institutionalization with community-based mental health care services.

Similarly, the foundation has been an outspoken supporter of the rights of other vulnerable populations in Latvia. It has advanced refugee rights by supporting the case of a Kenyan asylum seeker and promoted civil society efforts to raise awareness among lawmakers of the need to better address hate crimes against racial, ethnic, and sexual minorities. It has also launched a campaign directed at Latvian youth to overturn prejudice and increase tolerance through cultural productions that celebrate diversity