Statement at the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

Delivered by Mr Edvards Smiltēns, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia

Dear colleagues,

As the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Latvia, I would like to express Latvia's appreciation for, and continued support of, the work of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. It is my pleasure to welcome all participants to the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

Since the adoption of the Kyoto Declaration in 2021, Latvia has undertaken major reforms in crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law.

Allow me to highlight several of our main achievements so far.

Latvia has continued to develop its system for the enforcement of criminal penalties and the resocialisation of offenders. A major milestone was the opening of the new Liepaja Prison. In operation since 3 February 2026, this men's prison is the first prison built in Latvia since the restoration of independence. Its modern infrastructure strengthens security, enables more effective supervision, and provides better conditions for resocialisation and employment programmes. It represents an important step towards a modern and more effective system for the execution of sentences.

The draft Law on the Execution of Criminal Penalties is currently before the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima. It is intended to ensure the effective enforcement of sentences in full compliance with human rights, while strengthening public safety and promoting respect for the State and its official language. More broadly, the draft law will make enforcement procedures more efficient and further embed a human-rights-based approach throughout the system.

Since 2021, Latvia has also significantly strengthened its approach to working with children and young people. Greater emphasis is now placed on assessing each child's individual needs, risks and resources; supporting resocialisation; involving the family and wider social environment; improving inter-institutional cooperation; and developing community-based solutions.

Latvia's implementation of the Kyoto Declaration is also supported by the ratification and application of international conventions that provide legal foundation for combating terrorism, organised crime, corruption, cybercrime, environmental crime and other forms of criminal activity. This work requires the continuous development of national legislation in line with international law and we are committed to this work.

Latvia is also strengthening its technical, organisational, and legal response to emerging security threats, including the use of drones in the commission of criminal offences. Amendments to the Criminal Law adopted in June 2026 provide that the use of an unmanned aircraft in committing a criminal offence constitutes an aggravating circumstance. The amendments also introduce a corresponding qualifying circumstance for several offences related to smuggling and the unlawful movement of goods. These measures are fully consistent with the objectives of the draft Abu Dhabi Declaration, which Latvia welcomes and looks forward to implementing through continued national and international cooperation and legislation.

I thank you for your attention. Latvia looks forward to working with all partners to advance crime prevention and strengthen criminal justice.